Time Out Chicago / Issue 62 : May 4, 2006 - May 10, 2006

Seniors rule

Looking for one-of-a-kind designs? Be the first to wear clothes by these fashion-school phenoms

By Jenn Thompson Photographs by Nicole Radja

1. ABIGAIL GLAUM-LATHBURY
There probably aren’t too many people who’ve pondered the aesthetic qualities of bovine stomach lining. But to Art Institute senior Glaum-Lathbury, it’s mesmerizing. After seeing a photograph of cow tripe, she became drawn to its honeycomb-like pattern and rubbery texture. She re-creates it using latex castings and hand-dyed cheesecloth to make a surprisingly elegant gown. Still, she acknowledges that some people may not immediately, er, digest the concept of the collection. “Tripe isn’t one of the most delicious things to look at,” she admits. “I wouldn’t necessarily want to eat it, either—but that isn’t what this is about. It’s about beauty found in the unlikely.” Ready-to-wear available at Habit, 1951 W Division St at Damen Ave (773-342-0093).

2. ASHLEY CONSTANZO
Illinois Institute of Art senior Constanzo, 21, started dreaming about opening a boutique while growing up in Naperville. “Women of all ages would be able to find things that fit just right and looked amazing,” she says. In keeping with that lofty goal, she has designed a spring collection out of black jersey knit and stretch mesh—two materials that forgive and flatter. These easy-to-wear fabrics have been incorporated into chic silhouettes such as the sleeveless, backless turtleneck dress shown here. Constanzo may need to search for a retail space sooner than she’d imagined. Available by e-mailing mailto:ac3333@stu.aii.edu.

3. CHAD KNIGHT
“I design my clothing with a strong, confident woman in mind, like a Bond girl—smart, sexy and a little dangerous,” says Knight, a 25-year-old Columbia College senior. In neutral shades of navy, black, cream and tan his designs derive their depth from texture and nuanced tailoring—a skill he’s honed by creating custom-made men’s suit jackets. Thinking ahead to his career, Knight is vying for a spot on Bravo’s Project Runway. “[Design consultant] Tim Gunn said, ‘You really have something here,’?” he says of his audition experience. And if Gunn is a fan, the rest of the fashion crowd can’t be far behind. Available at Habit.

4. STACI LEATHERLAND
“I wanted to find a way to contrast and combine the concepts of urban and rural and make them wearable,” says Columbia College senior Leatherland. Her jewelry line Mifflin, named for the small farming town where much of her family still resides, incorporates sustainable exotic woods, shiny mixed metals and organic shapes. Her premiere clothing collection features cinched pencil skirts, classic dress silhouettes and shoulder-skimming capes. Each structurally tailored piece has been screen-printed with whimsical images of birds, tree branches and sheet music. Jewelry available at Eskell, 953 W Webster Ave between Bissell St and Sheffield Ave; and Habit.