we are MATERIAL is Anna Brown, Gillion Carrara, and Andrea Reynders. This collective of women fashion designers is committed to a modern practice and fostering a meaningful dialogue with local audiences. They offer curated experiences that redefine the relationship between designer and consumer by shifting the consumer back toward the traditional role of patron.
Join us for a three-day event starting with the opening reception on Friday from 1–7; Saturday and Sunday from 12–5. Come to meet and greet the artists in a more intimate one-on-one setting.
we are MATERIAL brings together a diverse group of designers and artisans who design, create, and manufacture locally. It is a rare chance to meet and interact with Anna Brown, Gillion Carrara, and Andrea Reynders (the founders of this collective of designers), along with Jasper Drummond, Julia Gawron, Beata Kania, Katrin Schnabl, and Bruce Woods.
Featured Designers:
Anna Brown creates her eponymous womenswear collection in a workshop/studio located in the Pilsen neighborhood. The studio's design practice prioritizes environmentally-sensitive production of modern womenswear, emphasizing environmentally friendly fabrics, low-waste production, and a focus on longevity and reuse.
Gillion Carrara, a Chicago-based artisan and designer, is passionate about exploring the relationship between materials, function, and fabrication. Her handcrafted cuffs, earrings, necklaces, and objects are sensual and tactile and have earned her a following among collectors around the world.
Jasper Drummond is a designer, poet, & educator, creating menswear with a focus on merging historically tailored silhouettes with contemporary edge and luxurious, poetic construction. One-of-a-kind pieces in leather, linen, wool and other natural materials are patterned, cut and crafted by hand in Chicago.
Julia Gawron showcases her expertise in creating a clothing approach that allows women, men, and gender-fluid individuals to be their authentic selves. The brand specializes in outerwear and faux-fur jackets which are made in the USA and handcrafted with selected luxury faux fur.
Beata Kania is a multidisciplinary artist, designer, educator, and entrepreneur. Internationally recognized Master Embroiderer and textile guru, she also specializes in contemporary, experimental pattern-making techniques, and conceptual approaches to fashion design for which she has been labeled as a “Pattern Breaking Faculty.”
Andrea Reynders creates timeless, classic yet modern designs that are perfect for any age group. Her garment designs are meant to simplify life with easily enjoyable clothing. She is also a fashion designer/consultant with a broad engagement in a range of fashion-related endeavors.
Katrin Schnabl’s multidisciplinary art practice straddles fashion, performance and installation. Known for her eponymous fashion line, and designing for acclaimed performance artists, German-born Schnabl investigates garments as sensory environment.
Bruce Woods specializes in creating one-of-a kind crocheted and hand-woven pieces. He has been featured in WWD, L’Officiel, Chic, and other fashion publications as well as New York Magazine and Chicago Magazine. His designs are worn by celebrities, socialites, and women of good taste who possess a high level of fashion savvy.
