By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
April 20, 2001
Two frightened Dalmatian puppies and a beaming baby almost stole the show on the runway Thursday night at the second annual Red Hot Chicago event.
But knockout designs by the likes of Tiffani Kim, Jane Hamill and Reginalds made sure that the well-heeled crowd of 900 at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom got much more than a dog and pony show.
“The clothes are wonderful,” said Linda Johnson Rice, president and CEO of Johnson Publishing Co. “They’re very fluid and edgy.”
A fan of Reginalds, even the fashion-forward Rice was too gun-shy to wear the long, flowing dress that had a phrase that can’t be repeated in a family newspaper on the back of it.
Some fashionistas may have felt guilty biting into the rich, chocolate dessert that was served as the beautifully gaunt models strode down the runway in their 4-inch heels. There were probably only a handful who could pull off the bold colors, geometric designs and the unforgivingly clingy material.
Lauren Lein’s whimsical, Dalmatian-inspired designs drew applause, as did Kim’s breathtaking bridal gown and evening wear.
The extravaganza was spearheaded by Sun-Times fashion editor Lisa Lenoir and Dorothy Fuller of the Apparel Industry Board.
It highlighted the talent of 37 of the city’s hottest designers, with proceeds benefiting the Educational Scholarship Fund of the Apparel Industry Foundation and, through the Chicago Sun-Times Charity Trust, the Bottomless Closet.
A fantasy segment showcased senior design students from Columbia College, Illinois Institute of Art, International Academy of Design and Technology and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
