Style Memo - Karen Zambos more Couture than Vintage

Independent Designers. Emerging Trends. Essentially we're the pencil toting, note-takers of fashion; memo pads in hand, we follow the independent runways and young designers as they show their collections. We scour fashion trends, find the best and brightest and doll 'em out to ya. Our interviews get you inside the heads of fashion-mavens, trend-setters and designers; plus we go behind the scenes at the shows offering first dibs on who to watch and what you'll want to get your hands on. With our monthly video installments, we'll take you around to visit boutiques and help you put together outfits that you can run out and own tonight before dinner. We'll show case some of the sleekest designs from a bevy of talented up and coming designers. Whether you're a total fashion-head and love to be in the know about the latest trends and newest designer darlings, or you're a classical-beauty kind of gal who just wants a few ideas for putting together something fun for a Saturday night out, we've got you covered. -Kari Check out our video installments:

Above the Fray Presents Gen Art Chicago Fresh Faces Recap. Shot and edited by BMP. from Video that rocks. on Vimeo.

Paper Bag Waist Shorts from Kari Skaflen on Vimeo.

Above The Fray, Ep. 2 - Elise Bergman Designs from Big Teeth Productions on Vimeo.

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Karen Zambos more Couture than Vintage

The women of Chicago have always been a talented bunch, but Karen Zambos takes the word multi-task to an entirely different level. Designing a Fall, Holiday and Resort collection, while also working on her Elegantly Waisted belt collection AND colaborating for the Zambos & Siega bag line, her ability to sustain that much creativity makes my head spin. And it’s not just quantity, each collection has a difinitive personality- filled with detail and variety.

Zambos began her rise to success when working at the L.A. Boutique Tracy Ross. After working with clients, she realized that the fashion world was aching for clothing with a vintage feel with high style construction techniques. Soon enough, her foray into belt design began to garner serious attention- from Heidi Klum to Hilary Duff. After ten years and three different lines, she’s reached a great place: small enough to keep control of the product, but large enough to design freely.

Her pieces are great, wearable and classic. I’m in love with her Tuxedo and Jumper dresses, as well as her Curve Cumberbund. Lucky you, it’s all available online!