For many the weekend is an escape from the mundane world. Those lucky enough to attend FAD (The Fashion+Art+Design) show this Friday night at the Victor Hotel got their wish. Whether you were there to catch the latest fashions or mingle with the beautiful people it was a night to remember.

The Victor Hotel was truly the perfect spot for such a venue. Located just off of West Randolph near the ultra-hip Moto restaurant, the Victor Hotel is close enough to the extremely trendy nightclubs and restaurants to soak up the atmosphere, but far enough away to cater to the eclectic underdogs of the Chicago nightlife. With deep dark colors, the interior of the club screams with sensuality. This is a place to see and be seen, and what better way to do it than on the catwalk.

Though the fashion show itself was relatively short, those involved got to shine as their work was showcased in the spotlight. The first few designs to come down the aisle were fairly mundane and most of the attention seemed to focus on the model more than their designs. Having t-shirts in the beginning might not have been the best idea, especially considering what was to come. The second set of designs took it to a whole new level as the creators blended everything from different decades to styles into some very unique clothing innovations.

For instance, the designers take on the nightgown, was very exquisite with a good blend of black and white giving the model a sense of balance and beauty all in one. Considering this was the designers first real show, all of them have more than proved themselves. These designers have the talent to set the trends for the next generation of fashion.

In a night of big players it was the students who threw themselves into the ring. Made up of a combination of students from all over the city, these designers had the passion and drive to go the extra mile outside of school and put the event together. One has to admire that kind of drive and the shared dream that brought them all together.

	FAD 2008 - (Fashion+Art+Design show) Victor Hotel 311 N Sangamon St. Chicago, IL 60607 April 25, 2008 7 PM - ?

Nothing defines a time and a place quite like fashion. What people wear and how they present themselves says volumes about not only the individual but also the community they live in. Clothes give us a voice and fashion designers are the unsung heroes of the field.

Yet many of those designers lack the creative outlets they need to fully explore the industry. Enter Mona Asra of the Ratio Network, leader and contributor of FAD 2008 (aka the Fashion+Art+Design show) being held at the Victor Hotel this Friday night.

“I got approached by Jhonnatan Hernandez, a student at Harrington Institute of Design, about putting on a fashion show. You could just tell how determined he was and full of enthusiasm. I knew right then that this was going to happen right,” says Asra, clearly proud of Hernandez and the influence he has had on the show.

Many upcoming student designers have taken the lead from Hernadez. Students from colleges all over Chicago are coming together to showcase their work Friday night. “So much of their work is outstanding, I have never seen anything like it” boasts Asra. Though the Ratio Network has done fashion shows in the past this is the first that is entirely student run.

Among those attending the event will be special guest Steven Rosengard of the television show Project Runway, no doubt an inspiration to many at the show. This show is all about inspiration and passion. It is rare to stumble upon a group of artists that are unaware of the corporate rules within an industry. When it is found one gets a unique perspective on something previously considered everyday and ordinary.

Whether you are a fashionista or just looking for a good time on Friday night come support your local designers. “These students have put a lot into this event and I know they are going to go far. I can just see that many of them will be future entrepreneurs and this is their first real chance to show what they can do,” says Asra enthusiastically.

Those interested should visit the events main site at www.rationetwork.com . Not only will you be able to get your tickets there but also your pass to the open bar. Only those with special tickets will be allowed access to the bar so buy now or miss out.

Since the event is being held at the Victor Hotel it should be noted that only those 21 and older can attend. So if you were born before 1988, then come on out for a Friday night of fashion fun.