For the past three months, Luminaire, a pioneering force in the design world, transformed the second floor of its Chicago showroom into an experimental concept shop, LuminaireX. By joining hands with a discriminating roster of like-minded, Chicago-based partners, LuminaireX quickly became a dynamic design community, continuously evolving to expand public understanding of good design in Chicago’s River North.
Throughout its duration, LuminaireX presented a meticulously curated collection of rare and unique pieces consisting of accessories, chairs, sofas and wall systems from internationally celebrated designers who are mainstays in Luminaire’s showrooms including Patricia Urquiola, Konstantin Grcic, the Bouroullec Brothers and Philippe Starck. Fashion designers Andrea Reydners, Anke Lohe and Katrin Schnabl along with J.C. Lind bicycle company, culinary trailblazers Madison and Rayne, Gallery Aesthete and Popcorn Asylum activated all five senses at LuminaireX.
On Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 6-8pm, LuminaireX culminated its three-month run with a high-octane celebration as the entire 21,000 square-foot showroom became the backdrop for an electric runway fashion show featuring menswear from Gallery Aesthete and womenswear from designer Katrin Schnabl and Robin Richman boutique. Over two hundred guests gathered to experience the best in modern and contemporary design while connecting with one another over sparkling Voveti Prosecco. Some of Chicago’s avant-garde tastemakers, of all ages, made striking appearances, enlivening the showroom with a truly erudite eclecticism.
Downtempo electronic music set the mood for the highly anticipated runway show. Robin Richman boutique went first as models with Salvador Dali-inspired mustaches moved across the floor in haunting pieces, captivating the audience with their avant-garde, edgy looks. Katrin Schnabl’s Spring and Summer 2013 collection was by contrast colorful, sensuous and timeless. Models with semi-sheer turbans covering their eyes gracefully demonstrated how Schnabl’s fabrics elegantly moved in tune with the models’ bodies. Guests were then mesmerized by the menswear collection from Gallery Aesthete, including fashions from cutting-edge designers like Rick Owens, Comme des Garcons, and Ann Demeulemeester.
After the show, the audience gathered on the second floor to browse LuminaireX designs for the last time, purchasing those they would most like to live with and saying farewell to the pop-up community. Luminaire looks forward to continuing its collaboration with others; championing good design in the public it serves in Miami, Chicago and beyond.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
