By Jessica Amber
Fashion Reporter

Sunil is a 28 year-old accountant from Naperville, Illinois and a recent transplant to downtown Chicago. Smart, handsome, and fun, he hopes to find a place for himself amidst the fast-paced big city life.

"I was born in Kuala Lumpur to Indian parents," he mentioned. "When I was 7, we moved to Queens, New York and eventually to Naperville. I consider myself a global person who is always trying to find a unique niche in global cities."

Sunil considers himself a man of many layers. "Growing up Hindu in Southeast Asia was an interesting experience, especially since half the population is either Buddhist or Muslim," Sunil stated. "The fun part was the way many diverse kinds of people worked together to make their livelihoods - it's quite similar to Chicago."

With his fiancee by his side, Sunil feels the move to Chicago will serve them well. "She's from L.A., so Chicago seems like the suburbs to her! I think the diversity in food, activities, and proximity to work will be a good change for both of us."

Name: Sunil Gupta
Age: 28
Job: Accountant
Goals: I want to visit Nepal one day. I believe there is so much spirituality in a place with so much history and many visible traditions.
Favorite Cuisine: Indian, French, and Thai. I know that it's a strange mix, but when you live in Southeast Asia you get to appreciate the different spices, tastes, and flavors that make those cuisines so rich.
Favorite Cocktail: I prefer a good craft beer over hard liquor.
Role Model: My grandfather and mother. My grandfather made the move with my grandmother from India to Malaysia when he was in his twenties in search of better opportunities. They found stable work, started a tailoring business, and raised a family. His daughter - my mother - became a successful businesswoman in a time where women in Southeast Asia didn't leave the home.
Hobbies: Running, architectural tours, and, of course, my beautiful fiancee.
Why live in Chicago? It's a great place to live, learn, and play. Winter isn't the best time to be in the city, but compared to other regions in the United States it really appears to be the most stable one. In the summer, there is always something to do and people aren't afraid to let loose.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Richard Chiang
Resident Media Director

CHICAGO - Style, trends, and fashion always have a Queen B. In this case, there was a Queen of Hearts. On October 21st, 2012, Anna Fong, a Chicago-based designer, debuted her latest collection. Inspired by Victorian cuts and classic trims, her outfits were the manifestation of the a paillettes jolie.

The Queen of Hearts began her reign with cute models who seemingly knew how to strut their wonders. While there was one wardrobe malfunction throughout the evening, the model knew how to smile, turn, and gracefully make her way towards her jeu.

Guests made note of the serenity and doll-like look that the models used to grace the stage. "The models appear faceless," commented Tiffany, a fashion blogger. "It's cute, a bit cryptic: it almost feels like the models aren't really here."

While the designs and effort were deemed intriguing, the reception was not all that fit for a queen. Many guests commented that while the environment was enjoyable, the reception could have reflected the energy the collection was designed with. "Anna looks like she put effort into making her clothes," mentioned Teresa, arts editor for a high-profile magazine in Chicago. "It would have been nice to place some of that same effort on the reception. Some hors d'oeuvres, perhaps a few glasses of champagne available to those who actually arrived on time for the reception do wonders - especially in this scene."

Photographers loved the ambiance in the air of the final Fashion Focus Week 2012 event, but felt the decor could use some creativity. They also wished Anna could have strut her stuff across the runway to greet her guests, who longed to get a glimpse of la reine des coeurs.

Nonetheless, Anna's efforts and créativité were obvious, particularly in the gorgeous white evening gown displayed towards the end of the 20 minute show.

Culture and society bloggers, reporters, lifestyle correspondents, fashionistas, and their friends gathered to share a glimpse of the next piece of étonnante that Ms. Fong has in store for her audience in Chicago.

Le Prestige du Monde expects great things from the collection and the queen's right hand gals and pals.

Nous sommes impatients de voir davantage de vous, notre chère.

By Jessica Amber
Fashion Reporter

Lights, camera, fun. Cassandra, a San Diego native, was in Chicago over the summer and enjoyed her visit so much she decided to relocate to the Windy City. "I just feel it's so me," Cassandra told us. "The energy, the people, shopping galore, and cute guys and girls." While some California natives admit Chicago is too cold during winters, this vibrant 22 year-old doesn't seem to mind. "Cold? I'm so ready for a snow fight: bring it!"

Cassandra's style is a flexible mix of bohemian cuts, wild wild west vintage, and tribal. "I don't consider myself a fashionable person," she admitted. "I simply like throwing something cute on when I go to the grocery store. I don't think people really do that in Chicago, huh?"

A Mexican-American of Amerindian heritage, she considers herself a reflection of her diverse upbringing. "My mom is a Nahuatl-speaking indigenous woman while my father is from the state of Michoacán," she stated with great pride. "I can speak a bit of Nahuatl - the pre-Colombian language of the Aztecs - and some P'urepecha, a local American Indian language native to central Mexico. I learned folkloric dances growing up, celebrated El día de los Muertos in my father's hometown, and learned how to flamenco at 12."

Name: Cassandra Esposito
Age: 22
Job: Student, Communications major
Goals: I want to develop my own public relations firm and represent the biggest fashion, design, and creative clients.
Favorite Cuisine: I love sushi and lots of white wine.
Favorite Cocktail: Vodka tonic - I like to cut on the calories.
Inspiration: I love my dad because he's always taught me to be strong-willed and proud of my heritage. I also get inspiration from my faith. I consider myself spiritual and love to meditate, even for a few minutes daily.
Hobbies: I love getting my nails done! But in all seriousness, I like to yoga, try new restaurants, and sample wine.
Halloween Costume? Yes, I'm going to be a witch. Boo!
Ideal guy: I like guys with a sense of style and creativity. No matter how attractive a guy is, if he doesn't step outside his comfort zone it's really a no go. I also admit I love big chests. What? A girl can't admit that?
If I could go anywhere in the world tomorrow I would pick...: Osaka, because my brother currently lives there and I miss him dearly.
Bits of wisdom: Think with your mind, but don't be afraid to act with your heart. Sometimes, the best decisions are made intuitively.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Richard Chiang
Resident Media Director

A Night at the Museum, an official Fashion Focus Week 2012 event hosted by Shari Duffy - owner of Ladies Night Chicago, took place on October 15th, 2012 at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood. Fashionistas, socialites, bloggers, models, politicians, and members of the media came together to celebrate fashion au nature.

The concept: fashion meets nature in an ornate ceremony of chic.

This event officially launched Fashion Focus Week - a week-long celebration of style, high-society, and networking for the who's who of the local and national fashion scene. Some of the familiar, lovely faces present included Miss Chicago 2012 Marisa Buchheit, lead educational consultant for Northwest Chicagoland Martina Gonzalez, and Jeff Conway of NBC's 24/7.

While the night wasn't free from technical difficulties (no alcohol sponsors or complimentary cocktails for an official FFW 2012 event, one very long line for both door ticket sales and VIP/media passes, the event's PR guru noticeably losing their cool on a few occasions), it was an evening living up to it's anticipation. Guests felt the ambiance was reflective of nature: energetic and multifaceted.

A variety of vendors showcasing goods ranging from magnetic neck-ties to couture chocolate truffles were present and shared their goals and aspirations with guests. One of our faves, Spun Confections, joyfully provided attendees with 4 unique flavors of cotton-candy.

A few of the designers showcasing their work included Jennifer Akese, Thierry Roger, Heidi Hess, and Kelly Brinn, among other talented individuals. Models representing all walks of life showcased an array of colorful and professional attire.

The night was filled with diverse bits of mots migons by vendors, media gurus, and guests. The following are some that capture the joie d'etre of the evening:

"Who's the hot blonde with the neon-green python on her neck?"
 - guest

"This entire event is a vibrant mix of style and creativity but could use more direction."
 - member of the media

"Whoever chose to bring a bunch of snakes and have the models wear them is fabulous. Where is s(he)? Who do we have to thank?"
 - vendor

"VIP reception? What reception?"
 - model

"Wait. Who or what are 'fashion wars'?"
 - blogger

"Dude, this is the Nature Museum: of course there will be a partially naked model around here somewhere."
 - guest

The highly-anticipated signature Shari Duffy event proved to be an eloquent blend of style-conscious minds with the delicate touch of sophistication, fun, and adventure. Duffy's creativity and her guests' vibrant attitude are the marques that bring entrain to Fashion Focus Week.

The fashionable tossing and turning is a genuine piece of the style puzzle that is Chicago as it is finding its prized wardrobe in the highly-competitive world of glam.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Richard Chiang
Resident Media Director

Lights, camera, glamour! 2012 marks the 6th year anniversary for Latino Fashion Week - LFW - the only fashion week in the United States created to support the talent of diverse local, national and international Latino designers. It is also considered to be a focal resource institution for those in the
Latino Fashion Industry.

Their motto, “By Latinos, For Everyone", was evident on Tuesday night at the Zhou B Center on Chicago's Southwest Side. An intimate reception with a wide-range of designers, artists, media folk, socialites, and fashionistas adorned the nouveau-chic venue where attendees were treated to diverse goodies throughout the evening.

Although the show ran fashionably late, it was in this joie d'etre that created an ambiance of classy-cool while giving guests the opportunity to mingle with some of Chicago's finest. Celebrity Emcees Ryan Chiaverini of Windy City Live and Nina Chantele of WGCI worked their magic and encouraged their audience to indulge in the exclusively-Chicago event.

The Red Carpet Media Reception kicked off the evening with theme Images of fashion. Some of Chicago’s top local Latino designers, including Claudia Urrutia, Nelissa Carrillo, Noelia Cruz, Ronald Rodriguez and Sadia Pattison, presented some of their most captivating designs.

In addition, Tuesday night featured many local celebrities as they strutted their stuff across the catwalk.

A few members of Le Prestige du Monde's team made it out to Zhou B Art Studio and made it a priority to capture the visually-stimulating and elating moments of the evening.

Photographers, bloggers, and social media insiders gathered to share tags, ideas, and to discuss the event's merriment.

Male models displaying the talent of local designers, which a guest described as "trendy, approachable, and very wearable".

As the lights shined on, models graced the catwalk and audience members tweeted and posted highlights of the evening.

Some believe white shouldn't be worn after Labor Day, but fashion is all about breaking the rules.

Confident, masculine, and modern, Latino designers showed off their ready-to-wear designs to a style-conscious audience.

Evening wear with eccentric colors and lush cuts adorned the gorgeous models.

Style, Latin flavors, the sounds of classical music, and paparazzi mingled and developed a memorable night that will surely be remembered. 

As guests parted ways at the end of the evening, designers, members of the media, and the style-conscious enjoyed a final picture - or two.

By Jorge G. Zavala
Creative Director
Eliza Bacani
Resident Photographer

Charm, style, opera, and plenty of divine folks came together for Fashion of the Opera on October 5th, 2012. The American Chamber Opera (ACO) presented this chic benefit hosted by reigning Miss Chicago Marisa Buchheit and Jeff Conway of NBC’s 24/7 Chicago at the Intercontinental Hotel on Michigan Avenue.

Attendees enjoyed savory champagne, mingled with socialites and diverse members of Chicago's - and the world's - fashion and lifestyle community, and raised funds benefiting The Merit School of Music and their efforts to further bring music education to eager talented children and enhance current programs.

Those arriving prior to the alluring performances were treated to a boutique reception where folks could mingle and enjoy a cocktail with some of Chicago's elite while biding on a silent auction.

Opera singers from the American Chamber of Opera took stage and showcased inspiring, rhythmic sounds as models graced the runway displaying local fashion.

Fraley Le, a designer hailing from Vietnam, opened the show with a captivating Japanese-influenced gown that mesmerized guests. His collection is considered to be exotic, trendy, and very modern. 

Designers included Borris Powell, Rachel Frank, Fraley Le, Stix and Roses by Sararose Krenger and Anastasia Chatska. Musical talent was provided by ACO, Merit School Students, and DJ Madrid.

Some of the operatic rhythms models - and the audience -were inspired by included tenors, baritones, and sopranos.

Miss Chicago 2012 - Marisa Buchheit - stunned her audience with the delicate yet assertive essence of her voice and Jeff entertained with his charismatic, witty persona.

Models worked the stage as the trained opera singers created an energetic environment for all to enjoy.

Some of Chicago’s best local designers, and their gorgeous models, were present on the runway to a series of live sensational opera.

Left: Marjorie Turcios, Jorge G. Zavala; Creative Director of Le Prestige du Monde, Oliver Al, Marisa Buchheit; Miss Chicago 2012, Ogilvie Zavala; Associate Arts Editor for Le Prestige du Monde, Daniel Kole. Photo Credit: Steve Starr

Enjoying style, decadence, and great company. Photo Credit: Steve Starr.

Fashion of the Opera impressed guests from beginning to end and was one of the most delightful events of the season. While there was no phantom per se, audience members agree that there was a certain mystical je ne sais quoi that captivated the senses. Cheers!

Jorge G. Zavala, Creative Director of Le Prestige du Monde, interviewed Shari Duffy, Owner of Ladies Night Chicago. Duffy, an enthusiast of Chicago designers and shopping locally, mentioned the importance of showcasing local fashion while giving back.

Catch Shari and Le Prestige du Monde on October 15th, 2012 for "Night at the Museum" at the Peggy Notebaert Museum in Lincoln Park. 

By Carlos Ferreira
Fashion Reporter

At 21 years of age, Ahmed has an idea of what he wants out of life. Originally from Detroit, he feels right at home in Chicago. "When I'm not running down the lakefront, I'm working my student gig in the loop," He mentioned slyly. "But what I enjoy the most is the diversity in scenes so prevalent in Chicago."

At 5'10" and 155 lbs, Ahmed Khan knows the importance of staying fit and getting active. "In the Midwest, we have tons of reasons to eat - life and food here are social events," he mentioned with a wide grin. "Nonetheless, we have plenty of forest preserves and gyms that should help us keep our bods in form even during the winter months."

A current college student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, he hopes to be a pharmacist one day. "I guess it's a good field, right? I mean, it'll pay the bills," Ahmed jokingly mentioned.

Name: Ahmed Khan
Age: 21
Occupation: Student
Fashion Inspiration: I don't really follow one person in particular, but my sister is huge on style and trends: she helps me decide what to wear on a night out.
Goals: I want to travel the world and travel to each continent at least once.
Favorite food: Anything deep fried, especially chicken.
Favorite drink: I'm a beer man - Corona all the way.
I adore Chicago because...: Great food, the people here are awesome, and the air is clean. For a big city, Chicago is quite clean compared to Detroit.
What you look for in a girl: Gorgeous eyes and beautiful lips. I want to stare at a girl and appreciate her beauty while learning about what makes her unique. I'm also big on personality and brains: if she doesn't know where Taiwan is on a map we probably won't work out.
Bits of wisdom: Hardly, just kidding. I believe in destiny and that we are all here, right now, for a specific reason. Live each day knowing that there are no mistakes, and that every step you take is one more building block in the structure that is you.