Casual Elegance. It is certainly a moniker that many professional women would welcome. But is it possible to be sexy, elegant and professional? Chicago designer Elysia Ganier makes it possible. Ganier’s ‘Non-Traditional Corporate Wear’ validates the notion that a woman “shouldn’t have to sacrifice fashionable clothing just because [she] works in corporate America”.
Ganier designs women’s suits that are bold, beautiful and confident; her collection boasts of tailored, form-flattering belted suits accompanied by chiffon blouses with elegant bows. Bespoke suits with stylish palazzo pants are partnered with sleek jackets from customer selected fabrics. Ganier is stirred to design distinctive pieces that celebrate femininity; pieces that assert dash, poise and tenacity; pieces that carry the corporate woman from the office to a night on the town.
For her Spring 2013 collection, Ganier was roused by life in the Hamptons. “I was inspired to use fabrics that are classic, comfortable, flirty and sophisticated, i.e., linens, chiffons, silks, knits and textured fabrics -- all of those remind me of the Hamptons. I wanted to show some casual fabrics but not lose the elegance that my brand is known for; which is why you will see peplum shapes, draped looks, and flirty tops . This season will provide an exemplary representation of "Casual Elegance" -- coordinate pieces that work together and can work well with other pieces that are already in your wardrobe.”
Ganier’s 2013 spring collection will be unveiled next month at The Fashion Market’s Spring Event during Chicago’s Spring Fashion Week.
Elysia Ganier is deeply influenced by legendary designers Schiaparelli, Hartnell and Vionnet and their celebration of the female form. Ganier re-imagines the fitted bodices, draped gowns, and sexy, delicate accents of the 1930's and ‘40's, and makes them relevant today. She embraces the vibrant colors of the period, the accented shoulder designs and combines them with silks, chiffons, and satins -- draping them sensuously over the female form to insure fluidity of motion.
Ganier’s designs have been featured in the Chicago Defender, and on both NBC channel 5 and WGN morning shows. She recently won the “Steve Harvey Design Challenge” where she created a “Work to Where Ever” transitional piece for the “Steve Harvey Women’s Wear Collection”. Her winning design will be available in K&G stores this month.
Looking forward, Ganier plans to expand her collection by offering custom designs for men, including bespoke suits, hats, outerwear and accessories. Last month, Ganier joined Freshswagger Magazine as Fashion Design and Creative Director. In this capacity, Ganier will manage the magazine’s fashion department.
Thankfully times and seasons change, and what once seemed unlikely and unthinkable is now available. Fortunately for the Chicago consumer, the winds have swept casual elegance in our direction.
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