November Letter from the Editor

November Letter from the Editor

Wow, it's already November you guys! The weather has been a tease, but it's steadily gotten colder and colder here in Chicago. Fall is by far my favorite season in this city. There is so much going on in the city, there is this buzz in the chilled air that gives me a renewed feeling. It's boot and sweater season, Thanksgiving is around the corner and it's just a time that makes me feel so grateful.



I turn 29 this month and it may be because I am reaching the tail end of my twenties, that this year just feels different. My priorities have changed, I've matured, life has taken on a new meaning for me.  I face even the hardest times with love in my heart, rather than despair. I find joy in being home with my family, I find joy seeing our writers grow and experience things I had the chance to do early on in my career. I find myself realizing that life has gone by so fast and that I must truly cherish every single moment. That's why this month is all about being thankful. Thankful for what we have, for what we don't and for what we dare to dream. It's because of the good and bad that we have the opportunity to learn and grow.

This month we shot our Winter 2014 editorial. It's amazing to me that this upcoming March we officially turn three. I can honestly say this has been the hardest, most amazing opportunity to continue to do this. I am so thankful to get to work with creatives that are willing to push the limit and help bring our visions to life! We get to showcase so many great up and coming designers this issue! Maybe Sunday, Chicago Playground and Amy Marie Couture are three brands to keep your eyes peeled for. Check out our sneak peek below of the feature shoot with Aimee of Visual Stimulus.

Our winter issue goes live Dec. 17 - we can't wait to share all the amazing content with all of you. This month you will find great fashion highlights and looks for less from Teresa, event highlights from Perry, Rob & Cora, local features from Thom and some beauty spotlights from our new blogger Kaveri. We are excited to introduce Tariq -  our newest blogger focusing in astrology! His column will be a great additional to our mind/body/soul section. 

I have some new videos coming up for Beauty Test Kitchen and some fun brand showcases as well. Also, if you haven't - make sure you check out our new "weekend libations" column, for some tasty weekend drink recipes! Perry will be hitting up Macy's tree lighting this month as well, so stay tuned for her picture galleries. 

Thank you as always for your support readers! We are most thankful for YOU. 

-

Jen Lezan - Editor in chief

New Industry Rising Stars: Chicago Playground "The Varsity Collection"

New Industry Rising Stars: Chicago Playground "The Varsity Collection"

Many fashion designers come from Chicago, but not many incorporate Chicago into their brand. With Rodnell Harris, it is different story. His designs are all about Chicago and even the name, Chicago Playground; the Varsity Collection, incorporates the heart of Chicago into it. So, who this designer that loves Chicago so much that the city is the main source of creativity behind his designs?

Rodnell Harris was born on the West side of Chicago and was a graduate from Farragut High school in 2004. A true Chicagoan from the start he decided to launch the Chicago Playground clothing line in 2008. Many of his inspirations came from when he played basketball in college (in Jacksonville Florida, but hey the line isn’t called Florida Playground). This is where his interest in the designer of the Letterman and varsity jackets grew. Considering himself a visual artist, Rodnell hopes to instill a sense of pride and unity in local communities here in Chicago through fashion.

During Atlanta’s fashion week in 2008, with only a few samples from a previous brand Rodnell created, he realized that becoming a designer was what he wanted to do. After the event, he knew that he could be an asset to the fashion industry by introducing a brand with a positive message and mission behind its designs. Thus, Chicago Playground was created. Rodnell wanted a name that came with significance and a sense of tradition. Chicago is considered a playground in of itself, with all of its attractions and talent in the city. Also, playgrounds bring children together and he wanted a brand to represent unity among the city’s youth and beyond.

Chicago Playground clothing is a brand for all ages and genders. Childrens clothing can be obtained though custom orders. The brand is also looking to collaborate with student athletes and local high schools for an ambassador program in the near future in which students get involved with the brand and Chicago Playground educates them on the fashion industry and the mission behind Chicago Playground; so keep an eye out students!!

Currently, Chicago Playground only offers custom made orders to give clients the opportunity to customize their garments to meet their individual needs. They also present capsule collections of collegiate garments including hooded sweat shirts, signature t-shirts, and baseball calls (all offered in limited quantities). The brand is still in the early stages of creating an e-commerce site and is scheduled to be available in September 2014. Fall seasonal garments are available for order and purchase! Also email rharris@cpg1963.com for a digital catalog! 

At the moment Chicago Playground is focusing on its upcoming student ambassador program and e-commerce launch for the fall. The brand is currently working with local show producers to be featured in upcoming fall runway shows this Fall 2014 season in addition to internal brand representations. So keep an eye out on http://www.cpg1963.com that has many great things happening for a brand that holds Chicago so dear to its heart.

Written by Stella Quimby - Fashion & Lifestyle Editor