Meet the Rising Stars of Midwest Fashion

In September, the City of Chicago remounts "Fashion Focus" a 12-day lineup of parties, exhibitions, and shows intended to raise the city's style profile.

In September, the City of Chicago remounts "Fashion Focus"-a 12-day lineup of parties, exhibitions, and shows intended to raise the city's style profile. Attracting the most industry buzz is Gen Art's Fresh Faces, a runway show set in a thumping two-story tent on Millennium Park's Rooftop Terrace (on September 25th at 7 p.m.; for info, call 312-229-1701 or go to www.genart.org). Here is a preview of what you'll see on the runway-and the seven emerging designers behind the clothes.

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The designer: Danielle Weingarten, 28, Chicago Signature:Minimalism. Each collection is based on one basic color (black for fall, white for spring). A contrast-think the pink shimmer of a jacket's silk lining-keeps things interesting. Background: After interning at Calvin Klein in London and working as a buyer at Macy's East in New York, Weingarten took a job with Spiegel so she could live in Chicago, closer to family. When Spiegel filed for bankruptcy two years later, she decided to start her own clothing line. Inspiration: Childhood visits to France, where her mother was born. "I have always been inspired by the European outdoor city life. Women rush around carrying baguettes, shopping bags, and children. These women look beautiful and effortlessly chic." Where she shops: Neiman's or Saks-mixed with pieces from H&M Design philosophy:"Every woman has curves. My clothes are not meant to hide the female figure  but to show it off." Find it: At Habit (1951 W. Division St.; 773-342-0093, www.habitchicago.com).

Photography by Lisa Predko