Finally! Don Julio Loft Recap!

I wanted to thank everyone who came out for an amazing time for the Don Julio Loft experience!  The space was hot -- in more ways than one!  There was such a packed crowd, the air conditioning definitely felt a little lacking, but I suppose that just adds to the sexy summer vibe of a posh tequila event!
So, as a recap, one of the highlights of the 3-day celebration was each of the Chicago Fashion Incubator designers creating a look based one of the 5 bottles of Don Julio's tequila varieties, plus one based on the man himself.  I of course chose the 1942 bottle, which is one of the higher end options and a perfect year to lend itself to a vintage style designer.  I set out to work researching lingerie ads and other specific sources for lingerie styles that came out in the year 1942.  With the help of one of my interns, Anna Raben, we were able to find some beautiful examples:

I actually started with a one piece design in a various browns with red and gold accents, but ultimately I didn't like the direction it was going, so the night before the event, I scrapped it and started again.  I may have finished with only 2 hours to spare [read: sleep], but I was a lot more pleased with the final outcome:

This piece focused more on the elegance and sophistication of the 1942 variety, picking up the "brilliant golden hue" in the dupioni silk base fabric and the lace colors were inspired by some of the flavor notes.  If you look really close, you can see the shape of the bottle imitated in the accents of the vanilla colored lace, as well as the top stitching on the bottom of the bra cups.  And of course, 1942 is one of their spicier tequilas in the line, perfect for sipping on it's own, and I don't think there's much spicer than a sexy piece of lingerie on a hot summer night.  ;)  For more info on this fine liquor, please visit donjulio.com

The three days featured a media preview and opening night gala, with these tequila inspired garments in main focus.  The second day was a highly exclusive VIP dinner for Chicago celebrities and socialites, and the final day was the full blow-up with a full fashion show and performance by Shiny Toy Guns.  And boy was it packed!

We stayed in the wild hubub that is the backstage at a fashion show: answering questions, prepping the assistants, approving shoes, and making final alterations, while the models went in for hair and make up.

 

Thanks to Ford Modeling Agency, we had some damn fine ladies to rock that runway:

 

That's me on the right, wearing a dress by Bettie Page.  All the lingerie is Dottie's Delights, not the dress!

The liquor was flowing, the amazing hors d'oeuvre were making the rounds, Shiny Toy Guns rocked the house, and people were definitely having a good time, even with a sweat bead here and there.

  

 

Oh, and did I mention the photobooth?

The Six of us: The Chicago Fashion Incubator Designers 2010!

 The party went on all night long, and even as the crowds finally started to thin, fun and dancing continued!  I love this photo.

 

There was so much more happening at these events, including DJ's, artists, live screen printing, a fantastic local jewlery artist on disply....so if you weren't able to make it you really missed out!  Be sure to grab the latest copy of Chicago Social magazine to get the full highlights!  Thank you so much to everyone involved!!