cory allen designs

Viktor & Rolf shut the eff up.

2011-03-07T21:32:00.000-08:00

The fall/winter collection from the powerhouse duo of Viktor & Rolf has once again dazzled me. Such strong silhouettes and sculptural shapes. LOVE. Now to get working on my own collection.

2011-01-26T19:05:00.000-08:00

photos by nK mooneyham

2011-01-22T17:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a photo from Fall/Winter 2010. The incomparable Matt, aka Gaudy God, wears everything well.

2011-01-16T12:15:00.000-08:00

this is fun

Doctor, doctor, tell the news...

2011-01-08T09:40:00.000-08:00

I'm not saying that the minute clinic isn't a great convenience for people, but I am going to say that they shouldn't diagnose things like hyper-tension blood pressure levels and things such as lazy eyes. Neither of which I have. Of course I made an appointment to make sure I wasn't going to drop dead of a heart attack, and not only was my blood pressure amazing, my "lazy eye" was also proven to be a misdiagnosis. The pink eye may have been real, I'm not sure. But after a week of wearing my glasses instead of my contacts I think I've suffered enough. Winter is no time to be bespectacled. They fog up every time you come in from the cold, and Chicago is COLD. So anyway, to my legions of fans, rest assured; I have been given a clean bill of health.

Sarah.Jessica.Parker.

2011-01-02T16:04:00.001-08:00

Halston Heritage has a lot to be excited about with SJP at the helm. I'm so excited about this latest venture into the world of fashion design. I still wear my Bitten "Fashion is Not a Luxury" T-shirt from Steve&Barry. I think she's amazing, and I think she'll have a distinct voice in the brand that will rejuvenate it. And it doesn't hurt that she looks A-MAZ-ING in all the clothes.

2011, are you for real?!

2011-01-02T15:50:00.000-08:00

So I noticed my right eye was a little red on Friday, and I thought it might be an allergic reaction to something, so I canceled my NYE plans that I had been looking forward to for weeks, and stayed in. Yesterday the redness was still there after a good dose of Claritin, so I went to the "Minute Clinic" at CVS today. I spent 4 hours at the "minute clinic" and found out that not only do I have PINK EYE (thanks kids at work), but I also have the blood pressure of a fifty year old! THEN to add insult to my already leper-ridden injury, the nurse practitioner tells me that I have...wait for it...a LAZY EYE!!!! A lazy eye! I'm pretty sure I've been going to see the eye doctor since birth and never, NEVER has an actual EYE DOCTOR told me about this lazy eye! Maybe it was just tired from waiting 3 1/2 hours to see you, nurse practitioner, perhaps that's the reason you think my eye is acting a little lazy. I'm going to have to seek a second opinion.
So moral of the story I guess is find yourself a good doctor, and don't go to the "Minute Clinic" unless you have HOURS to spare.

2011-01-01T16:12:00.001-08:00

Happy New Year. I was just looking back on 2010 and I realized how many amazing things happened. It was a good year. Mood Fabrics, Paul and Ringo, Whiteout in Green Bay, Design for a Cure in Chicago, RedEye article, relationships were built, relationships survived; lots to be thankful for. Thanks 2010, now let's keep the ball rolling. And let's make some money...please.

2010-10-23T13:26:00.000-07:00

Here are pictures from the Chicago Fashion Incubator show on Tuesday night. I was photographed with my good friend Laura Matic, my date for the evening, and also with my friend, and model, Matt Kasin and stylist Anthony Maslo. Such a fun night, with great friends!

2010-10-23T11:21:00.000-07:00

Just a few images from the Make a Statement: Design for a Cure show on Thursday night. I'm so thrilled to be a part of this show, and my models KILLED it! Photos courtesy of Conrad Castelo Photography.

2010-10-07T19:31:00.000-07:00

2010-10-07T19:21:00.000-07:00

WHITE OUT

2010-08-07T09:19:00.000-07:00

Hi Friends.
I'm really excited to be a part of the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin's (ARCW) fundraiser event in Green Bay! Anyone who wants to see the latest collection should come down for what promises to be a fantastic evening. Even if the show disappoints, which it WON'T, there's all-night dancing! :)

In a MOOD

2010-07-11T10:32:00.000-07:00

I just returned home from a four day mini-vacation to New York City. My boyfriend Travis is pretty good about planning big vacations around events that he wants to partake of, this time it was the Ringo Starr concert at Radio City Music Hall, on the drummer's 70th birthday, but he always allows the in between time for things that I like to do. This year we went to Mood Fabrics in the garment district. I have to tell you, when the elevator operator cranked open the door (yep, just like in the old days) it was like baby Jesus had opened the gates of Heaven. What an experience. I'm a big fan of Project Runway, and being in that store gave me a whole new appreciation for what those designers create. First of all, the fabric is not cheap, so those budgets are really, really limiting. I mean, if I could run to the dollar bin in the Wal-mart fabric section, I wouldn't have a problem building something for $100.00, hell I could treat you all to big pretzels at the snack bar with that kind of money, but here at Mood it is a different story. I found some jersey knit to make a lil' something for the new collection, but a yard and a half of that set me back $18.00. Secondly, it is the most organized fabric store I've ever been in. Literally every kind of fabric you could ever hope to find is clearly labeled and ready for the taking, the down-side to this is EVERY SINGLE KIND OF FABRIC YOU COULD EVER POSSIBLY WANT IS IN THIS STORE. It's overwhelming. I usually like to go to a fabric store with an abstract vision of what I want and let the fabric speak to me. Well Mood doesn't shut the hell up! Every bolt of fabric has the potential of becoming something amazing! Third, how are you supposed to concentrate on fabric shopping with a dog as cute as Swatc h running around begging you to play with his rubber bagel? I mean really. It's a wonder they create anything! I loved it. As I left with my mood bag, and my business card (thanks Travis, for reminding me to grab one), I could almost hear Tim Gunn say "thank you Mood". Loved it.

An artfit for Forest

2010-07-10T18:06:00.000-07:00

Forest was a student of mine about three years ago. I caught up with him while teaching summer art studio in Green Bay this summer. Practicing what I preach, I created this artfit in the spirit of the course. It features a vintage Levi's jean jacket embellished with copper paint, and appliques cut from a tapestry wall hanging along with patches found at a thrift shop. The t-shirt is hand-painted, the shorts are cut-offs from some old green polyester pants and feature a little fawn peeking out of the back pocket. The shoes are mint condition Bass boat shoes (thanks Green Bay thrift), and the hat is a Banana Republic newsboy (a touch too small, but it added that certain little something).

2010-02-06T10:35:00.001-08:00

I'm featured in this month's issue of Mint Male magazine! Check it out!

Special thank you to Joey Grant, Christina Burton, Erik Wallace, Brian Ellis, Benjamin Bradshaw, Jake Conrad, Tony Woods, Joseph Miller, Matt Kamm, and AJ Bernahl!

ahhh, runway

2010-01-20T04:55:00.001-08:00

The zipper from the Heaven Gallery Show. Why yes, Tony's red cords coordinate with the red turtleneck on AJ behind him. Accident? I think not.

photo credit: Eddie Eng
http://eddo.zenfolio.com/

2010-01-17T16:49:00.000-08:00

Well folks, another day, another show. And this one was *such* a good one! I couldn't be more thrilled with how everything turned out! I'd like to thank Christina Elizabeth for coming to shoot the lookbook, and to Sean Stevenson for the amazing makeup. To my boys, Erik, Brian, Benjamin, Jake, Tony, Joseph, Matt, and AJ, you are my heartsong. I make the clothes, you make them magic, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Once again I was completely blown away and humbled by the tremendous amount of support I received from my family and friends. To see your faces in the crowd, to know that your weekend included a night for me, there are no words that can express my gratitude. Thank you all so very much!
Now I'm looking forward to the Spring/Summer collection! I hope you all are ready for some color!

2010-01-04T18:17:00.000-08:00

special thanks to Lexie Hassinger for designing the poster and to Robert San Martin for the photogrpahy.

Fashion Show

2010-01-03T07:36:00.000-08:00

Erin Gotwals and I just went to Wicker Park to reserve a spot at Rodan for an after party. Any and all people in or around Chicago on JANUARY 16 should probably come to Heaven Gallery 1550 N. Milwaukee Ave. at 8pm for our fashion show!
In addition to our Winter collections you'll get the first peek at the new Spring lines from both our houses! (okay, so our "fashion houses" are still our actual apartments, but you KNOW it's only a matter of time before we have our own fashion houses out in the real world, and that doesn't negate the fact that we're making some pretty amazing new designs!)
I hope to see all of you there!

January 16
Heaven Gallery 1550 N Milwaukee
Doors open at 7, show starts at 8
$10 suggested donation at the door

2009-12-20T14:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays! Here are a few new images from a photo shoot we did for the upcoming show at Heaven Gallery on January 16. I'll have the poster on here soon. I have a new day job teaching preschool art. So I've been busy with that, and have also started making my new collection. Expect lots of bold colors and tons of tie-dye and hand painted jersey knits. FUN stuff! Hope everyone is having a great Holiday Season!

Fashion Cafe Pics

2009-11-16T09:33:00.000-08:00

Hi all!
Anna Marevska from Fahion Files magazine just informed me that my jeans are pictured, along with all the other great menswear from the latest Fashion Cafe at the Chicago Cultural Center. Check out the website http://fashionfilesmag.com/ffm/?cat=1 it's a must read for all fashion lovers!

saddle tramps at Heaven Gallery

2009-11-15T09:58:00.001-08:00

Last night Brian (middle) and I went to see the Saddle Tramps show at Heaven Gallery. My models are branching out! Benjamin (left) was in the show, it was fun to watch him walk in a show, since I'm usually backstage when he's peddling my wares!
EXCITING NEWS!!!! I'm in talks to have a show at Heaven Gallery next month! I'll keep you all posted on exact time and date!
It was a really fun night. The Saddle Tramps collection was interesting. It was a men's and women's line that was heavily inspired by the current trend of cut-outs and asymmetry in design. They used some really nice chunky felted wool as fringe. It almost had a dread locks look too it. Also really nice were the bib front shirts with snap detail. While the collection was small (seven looks total) it had an accompanying video that showcased the collection in outdoor settings, set to atmospheric music. It felt a bit expected and literal; the clothes stood up on their own without it. But a nice idea anyway. If I used projections/video to accompany a collection it would be a little more abstract.
Kudos to Danny and Erin for putting on a great show!

2009-11-14T11:39:00.000-08:00

If only I had a knitting machine I could have explored knitwear more. Here Drew Matthew models my final project for my knit design class. The sweater is pretty cute, but when you have a model as adorable as this, you're almost guaranteed an A!

one more blast from the past

2009-11-14T11:08:00.000-08:00

This was the last in the series of conceptual couture gowns. This one, made from perferated brown paper packaging and lace, is called "Ladylike". Here I got into the installation of the piece creating a vignette, framing the gown with the foiled wallpaper and painted branches atop the gilded baroque shelves. The disposable materials intrigued me because I think it reflects the speed at which fashions change. In one season, out the next. It only makes sense that garments that are only supposed to last a few months should be both inexpensive and disposable, while looking expensive and appealing.

Fashion Cafe

2009-11-13T13:25:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who came out for the Fashion Cafe at the Cultural Center last night! It was a lot of fun! Erin Cook and I saw some old friend, and met a bunch of new people. Thanks to Travis for insisting on photo documenting this occasion. It was a great networking event, and the response to the new collection was phenomenal!

2009-11-13T12:34:00.000-08:00

For those of you who are new to my work, I thought it'd be nice to give a little background into what I do, and where I started from. I have an individualized major in fashion design. I'm the only fashion design degree holder from UW-Green Bay. My work there was very conceptual. Here are some images from my senior show. The dresses all had content beyond being beautiful garments. The wedding dress was made from disposable materials, paper, plastic, bubble wrap, coffee filters. It was a comment on the fragility and frivolity of relationships. This idea of creating a grand spectacle, having a wedding, while keeping the option for divorce, throwing it away, disposing of it. The orange parachute dress represented falling out of control. The corset bodice gives way to the tattered shreds of parachute in the train. The black dress is made with a functional dome tent as the underpinning. The bodice can be zipped from the front and back creating an enclosure for the wearer. This one talked about grief, and how you want to put on a brave front, but secretly wish you could crawl into a dark hole and just be separated from all the sadness around you.

The red flag dress was a literal interpretation of the idea of seeing red flags in a potential partner. I wanted the dress to be alluring and beautiful, I wanted the viewer to be drawn to it. It's a showcase of all the flaws, all the "red flags" that should warn you against getting in a relationship, while simultaneously being irresistable.

2009-11-10T14:21:00.000-08:00

Here are some details of the jeans that I've created for this collection. The style on the top is called the Ellis, it is very clean, no frills, with limited topstitch detail. Just a really nice slim fit trouser. The Bradshaw has a really nice parallel line topstitch detail on the back pocket. And the Cooper (left) is the most embellished with the intricate T design topstitch on the back pocket, and leather knee patches. All the jeans have a low-rise, skinny cut. Most of the denim has stretch in it, so they are really comfortable.

2009-11-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

come and see me...and buy stuff!

2009-10-28T21:16:00.001-07:00

http://www.chicagofashionresource.com/system/assets/0000/0274/Menswear_Press_Release.pdf

I'm really excited about meeting some more menswear designers here in Chicago, and also a lot of new clients! Come on down to the Cultural Center on Nov. 12 from 5-8 pm and visit, and shop!

2009-10-28T14:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the short-sleeve cardigan, which I'm sure will be a staple of the male wardrobe soon. This artfit is modeled by the delightful and charming Benjamin Bradshaw.

I apologize for the poor image quality.

Anyway, this is one of the few looks that turned out almost exactly like the drawing (below). That gorgeous window pane plaid comes all the way from Wales. I found it at L.Z. Products here in Chicago. Check them out at http://www.megafabrics.com/! Great stuff is waiting around every dimly lit, scary, but wondrous corner!

renderings

2009-10-27T20:39:00.000-07:00

I find the creative process one of the most intriguing and fascinating things to watch. This is probably why I love shows like Project Runway, Fashion Show, Ace of Cakes, Divine Design, etc. I'm mesmerized watching my sisters do their make-up; I used to spend hours in different studios watching my friends create art in college. It's a process that is everything from exhilarating to excruciating, and I live for it. This collection came together pretty organically. I strayed from the renderings about halfway through construction, but they did serve as a basis from which the aesthetic grew. Here are a few of the drawings. When I get the look book done, I'll show you how they translated to three dimensions!

2009-10-23T11:46:00.000-07:00

Collaboration was a HUGE part of this project, and happily I was able to pull from my Green Bay art peeps to add really special elements to the show. Along with Erin Cook sewing up a storm, the astounding jewelry designer, Barbi Gossen created gorgeous enamel boutonniere's to complete the dapper look I was trying to create. When I get better photos of these stunning pieces I'll be sure to post. Here, Mark Kolasa (also of GB art kid fame) models the sea lily brooch on his tube scarf. Amazing.

show pics

2009-10-23T11:24:00.000-07:00

I'm waiting on the professional photos from the show, but I wanted to share a few snapshots from the event. It was a crazy night! Who knew that bar would be so packed on a Wednesday! I was so happy to have my family and friends there to support me!

My models were amazing. They really looked great in the clothes. I was thrilled. I now know how actors must feel when they win an award and need to thank a million people. So many people helped me get to this day, and I will be forever in debt to them. Erin Cook you are an angel! Travis, you put up with a lot, I'll clean up now, promise. My family for traveling a long and winding road to get here for the show, for your undying support of every crazy thing I set out to do. Erin Gotwals for doing the show with me. Josh Wintersteen for the use of his Nissan for countless trips to fabric stores. Cheryl for transporting the clothes the night of the show. The hair and make-up people. Everyone who added a positive energy to this endeavor. My boys, they were the BEST. So much fun. Can't wait to do the next show! And maybe sell some stuff!

This is real.

2009-10-11T22:51:00.001-07:00

2009-09-26T07:44:00.000-07:00

Mother Nature told me about this great color scheme the last time I was in St. Louis. She was all "you *have* to mix grayed out purples with burnt orange, it's TOTALLY hot!" So I said "fine mother nature, jeez, get off my back, I'll do it."

I mean she was right, but sometimes suggestions are better than demands.

teaser

2009-09-25T07:31:00.001-07:00

This is a little teaser image of the new collection!

Let's start at the very beginning

2009-09-25T07:28:00.000-07:00

Okay people, this is going to be the new blog/site for all things cory allen. If I weren't completely crazed getting ready for the show I'd take a minute and cute this thing up a little. Soon, I promise.