I received an invitation from Grace PR to attend the e-boutique launch of local line ShortyClothing.com, planned by Gen Art. So last Thursday, I hopped into a cab after work and headed to super modern club Lumen to witness the virtual fashion show.

I wasn’t expecting more than a video of models parading down a runway. I couldn’t have been more wrong. As the camera pans to a website, a girl jumps out of the screen and virtually walks through different sites, such as Facebook. After a few pages, her hand sports a bottle of liquor and the walk turns into a stagger. Then there is a shot of an apartment: enter contemporary kitchen, hallway and sexy man under sheets. The girl jumps out of the computer and lands in the bedroom, after which she proceeds to pose in her home with different Shorty looks.

This promotion shows its viewers how the clothing fits in their lives, instead of telling them. The video comes full circle. Her photo is captured and the design team produces the final version and—kabam!—it’s up online.

*Illustrations courtesy of Sophie Lin.

I took a trip to Lincoln Square last weekend to the Apple Festival. What did I find? Less apple-inspired stuff than expected. Instead, I discovered veal brats, cider, pumpkin bread and free studio photos, music and a wine tasting. Despite the jello-like consistency of the brats, the fest was a success. The cider was sweet, pumpkin bread spicy and free stuff unexpectedly delightful.

The most charming of all the festivities were the free shots (photos that is). A beautifully decorated studio welcomed us to the space of Simply Jessie, to inform of its existence. We were excited to try on the available costumes. (Goofy photos pictured above.) It was the perfect Saturday afternoon for a soon-to-be fall day.

Next on the agenda? Lincoln Square’s Oktoberfest for the real brats.

*Photos courtesy of Jessie Stevens at simplyjessie.com.

My second RADAR story just came out in CS! The piece is called Sui Dreams, which references the launch of Anna Sui's collection at Target, for the Designer Collaboration series. Her inspirations are the characters of Gossip Girls. Check out the story in the September issue, on stands now all over Chicago, or online at Modern Luxury.