Ariana, Live from the Runway: Style Takeaways at Men’s Fashion Awards 2023
Philippe Andre, Josh Kercher, Sean Lewis, David Jude Greene, Corey Ether, Chahine Abou Chahine, Daryl Layson, Stevie Chong, Alex Lawrosky & Jake Loncar
On the beautiful evening of September 14, top fashion industry professionals gathered at the Chicago History Museum for an evening of celebration and style: “The Chicago Men’s Fashion Awards”. Each year, the Chicago Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum shares recognition and shows appreciation for stylish men of the city, by honoring ten eligible elites who make the most stylish movements within this metropolis.
This year marked the organization’s eighth annual celebration, a tradition gracefully curated with the help of prominent sponsors Liz Stiffel and 10 MGMT. Additional notable names supporting the event include Kirkland & Ellis LLP, Frank Rubel, William Blair, Courtney Hopkins, and David Mordini. Provided with a variety of specialty adult beverages and delectable appetizers, attendees dressed in forward fall formalwear fashion, marking the end of Chicago’s summer season.
Matt Rodriguez (Event Host) Photo by Ariana West
The ceremony was opened by Melissa Carter, seasoned entrepreneur, and hosted by Matt Rodrigues of WGN News.
Each winner showcased their individual and personal mix of texture, size, shape, color, and pattern to create their own unique perspective on dress for an anticipative audience. The ten names were called, as each nominee participated in a commemorative strut down the legendary steps of the 1932-built Chicago History Museum and onto the red carpet before receiving their award. Family and friends cheered as press photography flashes ignited the outdoor courtyard of the Georgian colonial coliseum. Afterwards, guests were encouraged to mingle, in true Chicago-style fashion.
Meet The Winners:
This year’s Chicago Men’s Fashion Award recipients are listed as follows:
Phlippe Andre of Bibi Graetz Winery and Rare Champagne
Andre executes a daring persona, in a styled look of bold colors with layers of decadence and detail. Photo by Ariana West
Chahine Abou Chahine: Creative Events Director
Chahine Abou Chahine: Confidence, elegance, and playful freshness are the key elements that make up Chihaine’s wardrobe of self-expression.
Stevie Chong, Senior PR Director of Glow Recipe
Chong plays with the art of proportions and optical illusions, providing both a flattering look and a contrast of shape to an outfit. Photo by Ariana West
Corey Ether of Corey Ether Entertainment
Ether is known for his bold streetwear, encompassing a vivid, urban chic style inspired by Virgil Abloh.
David Jude Greene: Artist
Greene’s look exudes a mix a retro, Classic, and contemporary, offering inspiration from 90’s skatewear, infused with hints of Alexander McQueen.
Josh Kercher, Fashion Designer of KERCHER Custom Designs
Kercher favors a style where tailored meets edgy, embodying classic accents such as vintage watches, masculine modern jewelry, and subdued neutral bomber jackets.
Alex Lawrosky, Owner of Custom Clothing Line Wool & Linen
Lawrosky prides his style as having evolved over time, from growing up in Indiana to years of hard work building his custom clothing line of European tailoring.
Jake Loncar, Founder of Custom Clothing Line Wool & Linen
Loncar is heavily gravitated towards the sartorial details of Italian craftsmanship, such as an unconstructed shoulders, seasonal fabrics, and mastering the art of sprezzatura.
Daryl Layson, Founder of The Fame Focus
Layson specializes in the communication of luxury retail, and credits his style’s distinct versatility in alignment with Virgil Abloh’s philosophy of not being kept in a box.
Sean Lewis of WGN News
Sean reveals a love for refreshing vintage-inspired looks, dubbing the style as “Nantucket chic" and a way to pay tribute to his grandfather’s wardrobe of the late 60’s and 70’s.
“The outfits of our attendees exceeded this year’s expectations,” commented Lauren Lein Cavanaugh, one of the many Designers who annually attend the event as guests and expert fashion connoisseurs. “I am always prepared for such a lovely gathering of conversation, cocktails, and clothing professionals. However, the moment I set foot in the Chicago History Museum, I fondly remember the nostalgic magic of its own presence; there is always something mesmerizing to be evoked from the venue.”
The Chicago Costume Council's event reminds the fashion community that in culture, there is what is foreseen and forecasted, and there is what must be remembered and reminisced upon.
Thus is contemporary recipe for an onward future and an orchestrated past
The blend of both at the Chicago Men’s Fashion Awards is what made it so easy to enjoy the evening. A timeless feeling of familiarity often equates to the heart, as does clothing resonate with the soul. Sometimes, the best things experienced in fashion are not what is prepared, but what prevails.
