Fashion, Focused: The weekend’s top events

THU 22
You know that Macy’s has its own designers-in-residence under the Chicago Fashion Incubator program, and now you can see what those—and other local designers carried at the department store—have planned for spring at the Macy’s presents the Designers of Chicago runway show. The show is free, but you must R.S.V.P. at chicagofashionresource.com. Millennium Park—Chase Promenade North. 7:30pm.

THU 22
She gave us a taste of her latest collection in TOC’s fall preview, but now you can see it for yourself at Invention and the Obsolete: Abigail Glaum-Lathbury spring 2010. See if you can spot her inspiration (a basket full of oversize lightbulbs) in the 30 individual designs (making up a total of 12 pieces) in the exhibition. Prairie Production (1314 W Randolph St, 312-829-7499). 9pm, $25.

FRI 23
Today’s students are tomorrow’s design stars, so get a sneak peek of the future of fashion at Dress Code. The top fashion students from Columbia College Chicago, the Illinois Institute of Art, the International Academy of Design & Technology Chicago and the School of the Art Institute Chicago all have looks on this runway. The show is free, but you must R.S.V.P. at chicagofashionresource.com. Millennium Park—Chase Promenade North. 7:30pm.

SAT 24
No one’s comparing Fashion Focus to Fashion Week in Paris...yet. View Borris Powell’s spring 2010 collection of women’s swimwear, daywear, cocktail dresses and evening gowns at his Le Jardin de L’Amour show, and you’ll definitely make the connection. It all takes place on a Parisian park–inspired garden runway. EnVent, 344 N Ogden Ave (877-368-3681). 9pm.

SUN 25
If a weekend full of fashion presentations leaves you inspired to start your own line, then this Meet the Designers panel discussion is not to be missed. Local designers such as Melissa Baswell (Mountains of the Moon), Richard Morse (5p1t) and Annie Novotny (Frei Designs) will be on hand for a talk and Q&A segment. The show is free, but R.S.V.P. to aibi@aibi.com. Chicago Cultural Center, Washington room (78 E Washington St). 2pm.

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