Fine Italian leather and Florentine jewelry designers host American trunk show in Chicago Nov. 18-22

The fine leather wear of NOI Firenze along with The Vettori Jewelry designs of Sada Gold and Trade Gold are showcasing their new Italian designs at an exclusive Chicago trunk show 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 18 through Sunday, November 22 at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel (17 E. Monroe St., Ste. 9150, Chicago). Based in Florence, Italy these designers bring their creations to the United States with a unique opportunity to showcase their fashion and design expertise.

“NOI Firenze is committed to branching out into the American leather market,” says co-principal owner Francesco Donati. “We’re happy to introduce our Spring 2010 and Winter 2010 collections, as well as classic quality favorites for both men and women at the Chicago trunk show.”

The experienced NOI Firenze professional team has worked in the leather clothing and leather accessory business for more than 40 years, and attracted the attention of many high-profile clients including singer Tony Bennett. NOI Firenze’s Italian boutique showroom is located in the heart of Florence’s historical center not far from the Ponte Vecchio, one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. Using only the finest quality leather from its tannery, the NOI Firenze team understands current and classic fashion and offers its products at competitive prices.

Joining the fine leather goods of NOI Firenze are Sada Gold and Trade Gold, available at The Vettori Jewelry Shop located at the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy. The store offers a line of timeless jewelry, maintaining high standards and specializations of master goldsmiths without losing sight of the evolution of style. A collaboration of five historical families with centuries of experience hand crafting spectacular jewelry, Sada Gold and Trade Gold offer 18 karat gold with quality precious stones, each piece a token of Florence.

Five unique traditions have led to the creation of the collection offered by Sada Gold and Trade Gold. Each piece is designed to make every woman feel special and to acknowledge every individual taste. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, the Sada Gold and Trade Gold team are experts in helping customers find their own personal treasures.

The Chicago trunk show, which is free to attend, runs November 18-22 at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel (17 E. Monroe St., Ste. 9150). For more information about NOI Firenze’s leather clothing and accessories, please call (312) 994-2620, or visit www.noi-firenze.com. To learn more about The Vettori Jewelry Shop where Sada Gold and Trade Gold are sold, please visit http://vettorigioielli.com.

'Puttin' on the Dog' with BARQUE at Neiman Marcus Sept. 26

Join BARQUE, the hot new Chicago-based canine couture collection creating high fashion styles that will make pooches bark for more, for “Puttin’ on The Dog,” a trunk show featuring an array of doggy designs noon until 5 p.m. Saturday, September 26 at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago; 312-642-5900).

The event will showcase stylish coats and raincoats, as well as the one-of-a-kind, hand-knit BARQUE sweaters and puppy blankets, just in time for the cooler fall temperatures. RSVP for the event by e-mailing gay@barque.biz or by calling (312) 266-6683. Attendees are encouraged to bring their pups, and can enter a drawing to win a free BARQUE fashion.

For more information, visit http://www.barque.biz/.

Doggy Divas Hit the Runway in BARQUE’s Canine Couture Clothing

Last night, dogs hit the runway wearing designs from the hot new Chicago-based luxury collection, BARQUE. With music in the background and Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker emceeing the event, the dogs displayed 25 unique BARQUE designs.

The red carpet entrance to Top Dog Productions (1551 N. Kingsbury St., 312-642-4931) was lined with people, including WGN’s Marcus Leshock, awaiting the reveal of the BARQUE models and BARQUE creator, Gay Roberts.

Laughter and excitement filled the room as people watched the diva dogs strut their stuff for the crowd to see. Olga Honey Boo Boo, a miniature poodle, was a natural in her pastel striped sweater and kobi beige leather coat, while Bella, an English bull dog, shied away from all of the attention in her custom one-of-a-kind jacket. Muchacho was a crowd pleaser as he sported his Bad Doggy Denim. Zoe, a standard poodle, and three-pound teacup yorkie, Fergie, closed the show in their knockout, custom-designed runway outfits.

While watching the dogs, guests enjoyed “Rin Tin Tini” cocktails, light hors d’oeurves, “human-friendly” dog biscuits and “dog pound cake”, made by Kim Stanek, dog lover and executive sous chef at The Westin Chicago North Shore.

Gay Roberts, owner of BARQUE, began knitting sweaters for her dog, Fergie, and realized that dogs should never be seen in public without clothes. From there, Roberts, also a former New York Couture model and sportswear designer took her skills and combined her passion for fashion and dogs to create BARQUE.

BARQUE designs range from size 4 to 14, and retail for $50 to $250 each. BARQUE designs are available online at http://www.barque.biz/ or retail at Pawsh Puppies (2120 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-8608).

View the WGN and CBS segments below:

WGN segment

CBS segment

To see more pictures from the doggy runway show, click here.

BARQUE launches with Puppy Runway Fashion Show July 15

Attention Rick Owens, Dries Van Noten and John Varvatos; Make room for the latest in haute couture, BARQUE by Gay Roberts, the hot new Chicago-based luxury collection creating high fashion styles that will make pooches bark for more. In celebration of the launch of BARQUE, a runway fashion show starring the trendiest Chicago dogs wearing the new haute couture designs will be held 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday, July 15 at Top Dog Productions (1551 N. Kingsbury St., 312-642-4931), a full-service doggy daycare. There is no admission fee.

“BARQUE’s designs are unique, and for every special occasion,” says owner Roberts, who designs the one-of-a-kind hand-knit sweaters for both boy and girl pups. “I’m happy for BARQUE to be partnering with Top Dog, and excited to share the brand with Chicago’s chicest pups and their stylish owners.”

Gold Coast Fashionista and dog lover, Roberts began knitting luxury sweaters for her teacup Yorkie, Fergie, and quickly gained the attention of neighboring dog owners. Roberts, a former New York couture model and sportswear designer took her entrepreneurial skills gained from her former floral business and corporate sales experience, and made her fashion and dog passions a reality with the launch of BARQUE.

The BARQUE collection includes hip, cutting-edge designs as well as classic looks for any puppy outing. One of Roberts’ favorite designs is a black leather or denim motorcycle jacket with a zip pocket and “Hope and Glory” wings, available with or without a furry collar. Another posh design is the chic black velvet top coat adorned with diamonds and a matching jeweled lead. More casual and very cool looks are stone-washed denim harnesses and jackets and dresses in vintage fabrics. Many of these unique designs will be worn by local pups on the runway, including BARQUE supermodel Fergie and her best friend, Olga Honey Boo Boo, a miniature poodle. Bella, the bull dog, has a one-of-a-kind hip runway piece. Three-pound Fergie and her standard poodle pal Zoe will close the show in knockout, custom-designed runway outfits.

In addition to viewing the latest canine couture fashions, guests at the event can enjoy wine and “Rin Tin Tini” cocktails, light hors d’oeurves, plus treats including human-friendly dog biscuits and “Dog Pound Cake.” Attendees will be put in a raffle drawing to win a BARQUE design.

BARQUE designs range from size 4 to 14, and retail for $50 to $250 each. BARQUE designs are available online at www.barque.biz or retail at Pawsh Puppies (2120 N. Halsted St.; 773-525-8680). To RSVP to the event, call BARQUE at (312) 266-6683.