The gloomy, rainy weather didn’t stop the annual The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) fashion show from being a huge hit. SAIC held their 2013 fashion show on Friday, May 3rd at noon and 3 p.m. The event was held at Millennium Park Chase Promenade under the big white tent that was installed for the special show. As soon as I stepped out of my taxi cab in front of Millennium Park, I saw women in killer heels walking quickly inside. The white tents reminded me of the tents that are put up every year in New York City for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Rushing in (because it was raining and I was excited for the event), I was directed to the media section and the show was just starting. Many of the looks that the models were wearing down the runway seemed to be influenced by the Asian culture. A lot of collections from the students had modern versions of the Kimono, traditional Japanese footwear called Geta and Harajuku wigs. Some of the clothes were really creative and out of the box, like a fur coat worn as a hat (yes, a coat over the head!). Easily, one of my favorite and more wearable looks was a red ruffle dress by Erika Landry that reminded me of an Alexander McQueen fall 2012 gown; it was sophisticated and edgy. Overall, the creativity of each designer had the audience and myself in applause.  Maybe the SAIC students are a year ahead and masks, as an accessory, candy-wrappers as headpieces and blue wigs will be a trend next year.  It truly was an interesting, creative and exciting show.  A highlight this year was that Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte were honored with SAIC’s Legend of Fashion Award. – Alex Mariscal

*Photos: Top – A look by designer Rose Halpern, a look by designer Sam Salvo, a look by designer Rose Halpern, The Rodarte sisters