BY ALICE YORK
Paris fashion designer Andrew Gn was recently welcomed by the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum for an elegant Sponsors of Style patron dinner.
The program, in keeping with the feast of florals featured in Gn’s collection.
Just hours earlier, members of the council joined host committee guests for an equally opulent luncheon and fashion presentation hosted by Andrew and organized by Costume Council Past President Nena Ivon.
An aerial view of the elegant surroundings of the luncheon and runway presentation.
Andrew and Nena Ivon in conversation.
As the models showcased pieces from Gn’s Spring/Summer 2017 Collection on the catwalk, Nena led an intimate conversation, describing Andrew’s inspirations and designs.
Humble denim gets an upgrade.
Beautiful embroidered detailing.
A brightly patterned strapless gown.
Fashion writer Amy Verner described the collection at Andrew’s Paris runway show on September 30:
“Andrew Gn attracts the type of woman who appreciates visible workmanship, overall polish, and a soupçon of surprise . . . his choice of source material and inspiration [here]—Les Incroyables et Merveilleuses (a flamboyant, proto-youthquake during the Directoire period of the French Revolution) along with punk codes . . . a collection of unexpected creations typified by a dress that married a black lace bodice with a pastel blue full skirt scattered with floral embroidery; or a court coat bordered in pastoral flora paired with a white ruffled-neck blouse and black breeches outlined in metal rivets.”
The influence of French Revolution fashion can be felt in this embroidered court coat and embellished breeches.
The cheerfulness of spring captured in this blue floral frock.
“Today, there’s no such thing as absolute beauty; there needs to be something off about it,” explained Andrew, articulating how these aspects of individual expression were as timeless as the pursuit of beauty.
More floral details on this Spring/Summer 2017 gown.
Gn founded his Paris fashion house in 1996, following experience at Emanuel Ungaro and design studies at London’s Central Saint Martin’s School of Art and Milan’s prestigious Domus Academy. His designs carefully blend contrasting cultural influences with uncompromising style, quality, and craftsmanship. Made in France, fabrications and trimmings are created exclusively for the house and crafted by skilled artisans.
Frilled sleeves and floral cutouts add a touch of girlishness to this all black look.
Floral detailing is the signature of this new collection.
Andrew has dressed a virtual who’s who of Hollywood: Jessica Chastain, Emma Stone, Scarlett Johansson, Elizabeth Banks, Hailee Steinfeld, Kirsten Dunst, Amy Poehler, Calista Flockhart, and Amanda Seyfried, to name a few.
Elizabeth Banks attends a premiere for ‘Black Mass’ during the 72nd Venice Film Festival wearing Andrew Gn. (Photo by Elisabetta A. Villa/WireImage)
For the rest of us, his designs are carried by Bergdorf Goodman, Harrods, and other top retailers all over the world, including Costume Council member Kelly Golden’s Neapolitan in Winnetka.
Costume Council member Gayle Tilles, who organized Andrew’s Chicago appearance, welcoming the designer.
Andrew Gn’s Chicago appearance was organized by Gayle Tilles, a member of the Costume Council, who developed a close friendship with Andrew during her Paris Fashion Week Programs for Connoisseur Arts. Tilles was pleased to introduce Andrew to the Costume Council and invite 12 host committee members—all Chicagoans of great taste and influence, including Cindy Chereskin, Noren Ungaretti, and Alessandra Branca—to bring their similarly stylish friends to Andrew’s special Chicago event.
The designer with host committee members Cindy Chereskin and Noren Ungaretti.
Andrew with host committee member Alessandra Branca.
Gayle’s Paris Fashion Week Programs for Connoisseur Arts feature Andrew’s runway shows, a private visit to his elegant salon in an historic 18th century hotel particulier, and dinner with Andrew at home surrounded by his antique treasures. For more information, contact info@connoisseur-arts.com.
Andrew in his Paris salon.
Andrew looks forward to returning to Chicago again in the near future and continuing to develop his burgeoning relationship with the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum and the stylish women of our city.
An exciting two-day trunk show followed the runway show, with Andrew generously donating a percentage of sales to the Costume Council.
Bold colors and prints.
Perusing the racks.
Andrew also donated 4 fabulous Chicago-inspired pieces to the Chicago History Museum’s renowned Costume Collection.
Costume Council President Kristin Noelle Smith with council member Heather Farley Ingram.
Greeting Christina Gidwitz.
An ecstatic Karen Zupko, a host committee member, winning a Andrew Gn handbag drawing.
Andrew and Karen Zupko with her new handbag.
Host committee members Gayle Tilles and Lisette Dailey.
Nena Ivon, at center, with host committee member Annette Findling and Marcia Buchanan.
Guests of host committee member Pauline Sheehan: Annette Carroll, Holly Babington, Christel Reum, and Anita Tyson.
Costume Council Sponsors of Style patron dinner with the designer.
Front row: Rosario Torres of Andrew Gn; Petra Slinkard, Curator Costume Collection, Chicago History Museum; Cindy Chereskin; Andrew; Noren Ungaretti; and Nena Ivon.
Rear row: Eric Horlin of Andrew Gn; Judy Lockhart; Pauline Sheehan; Karen Zupko; Gayle Tilles; Kristin Noelle Smith; and Annette Findling.
Event photos courtesy of Sean Su.
