ML - Michigan Avenue

Michigan Avenue - 2017 - Issue 1 - Spring - Giuliana Rancic

Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIMI FRANKLIN (TOP); COURTESY OF DVF (BOTTOM LEFT, BOTTOM RIGHT) As von Furstenberg herself steps away from designing to focus more on her philanthropic work, Saunders has segued with ease into the newly created role of chief creative officer. With about three months to present his first collection—which features original Saunders prints—there wasn't much time to sweat the small stuff. "It was definitely a baptism by fire," he says. "But there was such goodwill and belief within the team about what I wanted to do, which enabled me to go in with the velocity that was required to put a collection together within that period of time." That velocity-driven result is a lively, eclectic mix of printed separates, including bold, wide-legged trousers, structured outerwear, flowing skirts, versatile shifts, and, yes, wrap dresses that stay true to the brand's DNA. Printed silks and cottons—from an eye-catching Sakura blossom pattern to more graphic stripes and color blocking—create an overall sense of playful fluidity. Unsurprisingly, Saunders says he turned to dancers and choreographers such as Michael Clark and Pina Bausch when conjuring up the new silhouettes, noting, "Dancers are incredible examples of body move- ment and sensuality." And while DVF devotees will appreciate Saunders's respect for the label's heritage, he didn't shy away from threading his own point of view throughout. One wrap-style dress in particular manages to combine a mixture of seemingly every print in the collection—a testament to his willingness to venture into unexpected territory. "When Diane started the brand, it was about effortless clothes, but also interesting clothes. These weren't simple retiring dresses—they were bold, bright dresses that happen to have a sense of ease," he says. "That still feels really relevant today." Neiman Marcus, 737 N. Michigan Ave., 312-642-5900; dvf.com . "I SAW [THE DVF HERITAGE] STRAIGHT AWAY— THAT EFFORTLESS EASE, FEMININITY, SENSUALITY, A PROVOCATIVE NATURE." —jonathan saunders Saunders's bold mix of patterns is apparent in this dress ($698) and origami belt ($178) from his new collection. Midi dress ($498) and hammered-gold earring ($168). right: Scarf-hem tiered dress ($598), belt ($178), Steamer handbag ($798), and Laredo heels ($378). 66  MICHIGANAVEMAG.COM STYLE TASTEMAKER

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