Ariana, Live from the Runway: Casati's Modern Italian Soirée and Fashion Show
Photo courtesy of Ariana West
Amidst a backdrop of green, leafy opulence, and refined taste, Chicago’s fashion elite converged to witness a mesmerizing outdoor spectacle - Casati's Modern Italian Fifth Anniversary Soiree and Fashion Show. The event, known for capturing the essence of Italian charm, with Italian wines, Italian food, and the biggest draw - a show of both local and internationally known fashion designers.
Attendees were treated to a selection of the restaurant's most popular menu items throughout the evening. A wondrous variety of drinks were served from marquee vendors like Marchesi Frescobaldi, Mmmm...Enjoy. Wines, La Scolca Official, and Santa Margherita Wines. The absolute favorite beverage of the evening was the ‘Cuvee Prestige Edizione,’ an iconic sparkling wine from Ca’del Bosco Official made in a traditional method at one of their wineries in the Franciacorta region.
Photo courtesy of Ariana West
The pinnacle of the soirée was the Fashion Show, a resplendent display of creativity that left attendees in awe and set the tone for this fall’s fashion trends. The ambiance for the fashion show was unique in contrast to traditional Chicago runway shows, yet perfect for a warm, summer August sunset evening under the stars. Casati’s outdoor garden patio was strung with nostalgic, romantic lights, and in the center was an outdoor mini-catwalk for models to showcase the latest fall fashions to the audience. Guests were surrounded by a sustainable, lush, leafy green aesthetic that was exquisitely accented with vividly colored framed art.
“This is one of my favorite events, mixing all of my worlds together: fashion, food, friends, and family,” said Melanie Casati, Native New Yorker and owner of Casati’s Modern Italian, alongside her husband, Stefano Casati, who was born in Florence, Italy. Shortly after finding love together, the couple moved to Chicago to pursue a career in the culinary industry, opening the esteemed Casati’s Modern Italian in the heart of Lincoln Park. Today, the restaurant maintains strong nods to Italian haute couture. The Tuesday evening of August 15, 2023, was a grand testament to the couple’s successful convergence of art, culture, and fashion in Chicago.
There were two runway shows featuring womenswear designers. A trendy, upbeat DJ set ignited both shows, all played by rising music artist Mouth Water. This year’s lineup included Neiman Marcus, Sylwia Designs, Mira Couture, Max Mara, LEPA Boutique, RedE Mas, Contessa Bottega, and Maria Pinto. “We are so excited to be here again this year, to be celebrating five years of this terrific, terrific restaurant,” announced Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, local Chicago event producer and owner of Zzazz Productions and the fashion show’s host for the night.
MKP Showroom, Maria Pinto, Contessa Bottega
Celebrating Italian Opulence: Colors and Textures
The runway, a stunning reflection of modern Italian aesthetics, unfolded like a canvas of dreams. Colors, textures, and designs coalesced in a breathtaking display that paid homage to Italian heritage while embracing contemporary innovation.
The color palette was an ode to Italy's lush landscapes and artistic treasures. MKP Showroom and Maria Pinto’s use of rich emerald and olive greens reminiscent of Tuscan olive groves evoked the warmth of Italian wine country. The tangerine orange and pastel seafoam blues pairings displayed in Contessa Bottega’s The Amalfi Coast Collection paid tribute to the country’s captivating coastlines and renowned frescoes. This autumn, ensure your wardrobe is updated with hues seen straight from this year’s runway at Casati’s Modern Italian. Additional trending palette choices of the season include gamayandraisin inspired by looks from Maria Pinto and MKP Showroom
Textures also played a pivotal role in this visual symphony. Luxurious fabrics from Contessa Bottega floated down the runway, ranging from sumptuous velvets to delicately embroidered silks. Lace, an eternal symbol of Italian craftsmanship, made a resounding comeback, adorning gowns from Mira Boutique with intricate patterns that exuded timeless romance. Feathers, a surprise element, added playful movement to the garments, while metallic accents provided a contemporary twist, mirroring Italy's modern design sensibilities. Slywia Designs provided a beautiful display of this trend on this year’s runway, as she incorporated feathered fringe throughout her line of knee-length pencil skirts. Another exquisite piece of hers was a stunning evening gown doused in feathers in a punchy shade of red.
LOOKS ABOVE BY SLYWIA
Trends That Transcend Time
RedE Mas unveiled a tapestry of trends that are destined to shape wardrobes for the 2023 autumn season to come. One striking trend was the revival of voluminous sleeves, evoking the Renaissance era's dramatic silhouettes. Dresses and blouses alike showcased asymmetrical embellishments and billowing puff sleeves that added an air of regal sophistication to the runway. (Shop more of RedE Mas at 36 1 E 1st in Hinsdale, IL. )
Canary-infused blazers also emerge this autumn season as a powerful wardrobe ensemble, cinching the waist and accentuating curves. On the runway, Lepa’s addition of pearl and crystal accents and a tweed fabric design served as both a functional and fashionable element, effortlessly elevating the ensembles they accompanied. (Shop more of Lepa Boutique at 42 S Washington Street.)
As the finale approached, a crescendo of anticipation filled the air. The final garments epitomized the essence of the event - a fusion of elegance, creativity, and innovation by Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. The pieces' that glided the runway were iconic variants of Dolce & Gabbana, synonymous with elaborate animal prints, detailed embroidery, black lace, florals and staples closely tied to Italian heritage. (Shop more of Neiman Marcus at 900 Northbridge Shops in Chicago, IL.)
Rede Mes - Top Two Images / Lepa Boutique - Bottom Two Images
A Grand Finale of Italian Excellence
In this grand tapestry of style, the Casati's Modern Italian Fifth Annual Soiree and Fashion Show achieved what few fashion events can: a transport to a realm where food, friends, and fashion converge in a stunning display of elegance. With a nod to Italy's couture clothing past and a vision for the culture’s future influence within the community, the event showcased the power of the runway to transcend time, serving as a source of inspiration for fashion enthusiasts and creators of Chicago.
