CHICAGO — The fashion community here helped offer hope to children affected and orphaned by HIV/AIDS at the second annual Designs of Hope gala Saturday at the InterContinental Hotel. More than 450 guests attended the dinner and fashion show.
“We thought fashion would be a great way to highlight the diversity of the city, so we selected designers that reflected all ages and cultures in Chicago,” said Marjorie Schaffner, executive director of the Midwest Chapter of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF, which benefited from the proceeds.
Actor Laurence Fishburne, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, was on hand to speak about UNICEF’s fight against HIV/AIDS. Designs of Hope across the country this year wants to raise more than $1 million for the U.S. Fund for UNICEF.
Fifteen designers presented pieces from their 2005 spring and summer collections. Color and embellishment ruled. Maria Pinto was a standout with a shimmering leather newsprint trench and a pink gold halter-neck dress. Vatit Itthi also sent evening looks down the runway including a smoky lime satin dress with a gathered halter along with a black cocktail dress topped by a sheer capelet.
Turquoise was a dominant color in several collections. Caroline Rose offered turquoise and stone separates with swirling, abstract cutouts, while Paul Sisti featured fluid turquoise, lime and orange designs softened by a neutral brown.
Casual looks were not to be outdone. Twins Erika and Monika Simmons of Double Stitch delivered a bohemian-inspired collection of crocheted knits in shades of dusty pink and purple, including a sleek tube dress that featured airy latticework below the knee. Kate Jacobsen, a knitwear designer who is adding sewn items to her mix, surprised the audience with her whimsical, ruffled linen pantaloons and pink satin HotPants and halter.
A line of eveningwear from Mira Horoszowski for Mira Couture closed the show. Included in the collection was a deep pink column dress beautifully offset by black embroidery and beading, and a black, floor-length gown accented by intricate red and green floral embroidery and beading.
