Meet Lauren Hurley & Marcia Callaghan. Together they are the powerhouses behind the fabulous events that make Gen Art Chicago, and now the authority when it comes to fashion at PLRG. From curating to directing, this dynamic duo sleuths for creative talent and inspiration in the city of neighborhoods. At the beginning of each month Lauren & Marcia will take us on a ride as they look back on the (always) eventful month they just had and narrate the highlights - where they went, what they wore and who they met…all with their personal commentary. We suggest you buckle up.

CFA Entry #1: “THE PENCIL LADY”

To kick off the first column of the Chicago Fashion Authority - and our first event of 2010 - we wanted to feature something totally unexpected.  The fresh and irreverent jewelry designs of Sue Lowenberg were the inspiration behind the looks that we created for Gen Art’s advanced screening of the film Youth in Revolt.  Lowenberg’s new jewelry line is the latest addition to her expansive collection of pencil artwork and functional furniture, including a line of recycled console tables adorned with rows of pencil segments graphically laid out to resemble quilt patterns.  After being manipulated by tools ranging from sharpeners to hand-saws, old pencils take on a new life as Lowenberg adds small charms, jewels and a bright aesthetic: earning her the name “The Pencil Lady.“ Folk-meets-pop-meets-found art with the pencils’ sharp lines, bold colors, and dazzling details.
The Event:

January 6, 2010 - Gen Art Advanced Screening of Youth in Revolt starring Michael Cera (who attended Gen Art’s L.A. screening that same night).  The after-party was held at Angels and Kings.

The Wardrobe:

Lauren’s look: Blue Eraser Necklace with matching earrings, plus a yellow bracelet.

Marcia’s look: Pink Slot Machine necklace, pink bracelet and mismatched earrings.

The Interpretations:

Lauren: I don’t like to take myself too seriously, so I think it’s really important to experiment with fashion and step outside of my comfort zone once in a while.  I love taking on the challenge of styling unusual pieces for myself, finding the answer to the question, “how would I wear this piece?”  In this case, “how would I wear the pencils?!”  I love the look of my necklace because it’s fun and playful, but with a very simple, classic shape.

Marcia: Yep, this one was my pick.  I’ve always been drawn to artisan jewelers, but the way that Sue transforms the familiar pencil is exceptionally innovative.  Repurposed art is also of great interest to me, so when I discovered Sue, I felt like a kid in a candy shop…or school yard.  The “youthful” tie-in with the film made this the perfect occasion to integrate Sue’s designs into our looks. I chose the elaborate “Pink Slot Machine” necklace that was dripping in cheerful charms along with a pink bracelet to match.  To pack an extra unconventional punch, I wore one black pencil earring and one pink eraser earring.  Symmetry is overrated.

CFA Entry #2: “R E D D O L L”

As we sorted through designer applications for Gen Art Chicago’s 2009 Fresh Faces in Fashion show in July, r e d d o l l’s designs literally had us jumping up and down and squealing with delight like little girls.  It was love at first sight.  From the planning process to the moment of the grand finale of Chicago Fashion Focus Week (where her finale gowns drew audible gasps from the 1,000 guests at Millenium Park), Tatyana Merenyuk, the “red doll” behind this label, kept us wanting more, more…more.  Her ruffles, pleats and textured fabric combinations will leave any PoorLittleRichGirl feeling like she tip-toed right off of the pages of a fairytale.

Merenyuk graced Chicago with her whimsical yet powerful designs when she emigrated to the U.S. from Kiev, Ukraine in the early 90’s.  When we caught up with Merenyuk over a styling session for Gen Art’s recent gallery event, we were yet again overwhelmed with her stunning new designs and always charming personality.  How she strikes a balance between such crisp structure and delicate femininity still has us in awe.

The Event:

January 13, 2010 - Gen Art Collector’s Circle @ Packer Schopf Gallery featuring artists Jason Lahr and Tim Vermeulen.

The Wardrobe:

Lauren’s look: The black French Maiden Dress.

Marcia’s look: The white (and previously untitled) Marcia Dress.

The Interpretations:

Lauren: I am completely obsessed with every r e d d o l l creation, so choosing one for this event was quite difficult. In the end, I fell in love with the French Maiden for its strong Elizabethan collar juxtaposed against its graceful ballerina silhouette. I felt like a dark little doll swimming in regal pleats and poufs. At the gallery, I tossed on a studded black elastic headband that I had in my bag to punctuate the tutu-like structure of the tulle petticoat.

Marcia: Naturally, I locked eyes with the most luscious confection in sight. I tamed the abounding white folds with a black patent leather belt — buckled in back to define my shape. Then, I roughed-up the ruffles with dramatic black eye makeup (painted on at my lash lines and eyelid creases) to add a linear contrast. My adaptation felt fantastically personalized, but it was Tatyana’s sweet design that was the frosting on my cake.

Bon Voyage,

-Lauren & Marcia

Originally published, January 28, 2010.