ML - Michigan Avenue

2012 - Issue 4 - Summer

Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!

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the Look nautical by nature G THE RACE TO MAC KICKOFF PROVIDES THE PERFECT BACKDROP FOR SUMMER'S BOATING-INSPIRED LOOKS. by alison rowe iven the starring role that Lake Michigan plays in Chicago summers, it seems the nautical trend so prevalent on the runways could have been designed specifically with us in mind. While it shouldn't be hard to find an excuse to have your own maritime moment this sea- son, the summer's foremost occasion to don your boating-inspired best is the annual Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac. The infamous boat race sees competitors sailing from just off Navy Pier to Mackinac Island, Michigan, a distance of some 289.4 nautical miles. First held in 1898, the Mac Race is the oldest annual freshwater distance race in the world—and one whose tradition sparks the interest of high-profile locals and out-of-towners alike. Because of the event's prominence on the social calendar, come July 21, discerning eyes will be trained not just on the water, but on the crowds and the fashion. Hundreds of sailing fans interested in getting a bird's-eye view of the ceremonial Parade of Boats will attend Ashore Thing, a kickoff party thrown by Michigan Avenue and BMO Harris Bank. The event, to be held on the east end of Navy Pier, will provide unobstructed views of the race and the perfect opportunity to test the waters of nautical fashion among throngs of the city's most stylish (including model Joanna Krupa, who is expected to attend). "The nautical trend is a timeless classic," says Lubov Azria, chief creative officer at BCBG, who will be in town to host a fashion preview at Ashore Thing. As far as what she'll wear to the party, she has a few ideas. "I think our Mariacarla striped cutout-detail dress worn with the gold Moira flip-flop sandals would make for an effortless, comfortable, and chic outfit for an event such as this," says Azria (who is also the wife of BCBG designer Max). Though stripes may be the most favored inter- pretation of the trend, the popular horizontal pattern is not the only option. To put a less obvi- ous, of-the-moment spin on the look, Azria suggests color blocking with navy and white, or adding subtle nautical hints to an outfit by accenting it with gold accessories or anything with a rope motif. Still prefer the classic lines? "A neutral sandal or wedge is a great way to bal- ance a graphic stripe," she says. MA This year marks the 104th running of the Race to Mackinac. Ballina clutch, L.K. Bennett ($295). 900 North Michigan Shops, 312-374-0958; lkbennett.com Briliana Four Points top, Theory ($255). theory.com Float Your Boat brooch, Louis Vuitton ($910). 919 N. Michigan Ave., 312-944-2010; louisvuitton.com A look from Façonnable's Spring/ Summer collection Jersey jacket, Weekend by Max Mara ($325). Macy's, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 312-335-7700; macys.com Moira flip-flop sandal, BCBG ($68). 113 Oak St., 312-475-0053; bcbg.com 98 michiganavemag.com

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