Steppenwolf’s fashion event, EXPLORE: The World of Marie Antoinette on April 9th featured Chicago fashion designers in a juried fashion show, a party featuring French cuisine from Chez Moi and the sounds of French pop by DJ Maxime Bonnard. Featuring up-and-coming designers including Elena Bobysheva, Sandra Leonard, Satoko Mizuno, Kat Anderson, and Project Runway alum Kate Pankoke, who had $200 to create a winning look inspired by Steppenwolf’s current production Marie Antoinette (which runs until May 10th in the Downstairs Theatre).

The winner was none other that Project Runway alum Kate Pankoke—she created a long, white ethereal gown that would have given the real Marie Antoinette a more regal death at the guillotine. The gown is currently on display at Steppenwolf’s upstairs lobby until the end of production. If you missed this event, don’t miss Marie Antoinette which features even more elaborate costumes and hair, and would make any fashion lover swoon. For more information about Steppenwolf’s Marie Antoinette, visit www.steppenwolf.org.

Photos: Winning design by Kate Pankoke (photo Christopher Macsurak); Elena Bobysheva’s dress on the runway at the EXPLORE: The World of Marie Antoinette. Photo credit: Michael Courier; Designer Kat Anderson answers questions from the judges about her design. Photo credit: Michael Courier; Dress designed by Elena Bobysheva. Photo credit: Michael Courier; Designer Satoko Mizuno escorts her dress down the runway; Designer Sandra Leonard explains the details of her design. Photo credit: Michael Courier; Elena Bobysheva and Kate Pankoke’s designs were tied after judge deliberations. The winner was determined by audience vote. Photo credit: Christopher Macsurak; Designer Kate Pankoke with her winning design. Photo credit: Michael Courier.