Skate-Wear Central

Elliot Couture

Chicago Fashion Designer, Borris Powell of Borris Powell Designs

http://www.examiner.com/fashion-designers-in-chicago/a-finney

Up-and-coming high-end design talent, Borris Powell, designs under label, Borris Powell. He is a custom clothier who creates casual to couture show stoppers that are soft and flowing, and romantic. He uses luxurious fabrics such as cashmere, lace, faux fur, silk, and satin to create stunning dresses. Borris says his design style is classic, romantic, and seamlessly sexy, and he would love to see women wear dresses everyday.

For Borris, the accent has always been on looking good. He credits his mother’s sense of style with his desire to create beautiful clothing. In high school, he started a competition where students would wear their best clothes on Fridays.

While attending Jacksonville State University in Alabama, as a psychology major, he realized he wanted something bigger. So, after two years of school, he decided to travel, and it was then that he realized he wanted to be a style maker and create beautiful dresses.

The mission for Borris Powell is to keep it simple by creating timeless fashion that illuminates inner beauty.

Borris is inspired by and often compared to such designers as Christian Dior (designs from the late 1930s and 1940s), Valentino and his mentor, Tchad Elliot.

His advice to aspiring designers is to be creative, know who you are, and what you want in the industry. You must have thick skin, never take things personally, because you will win some and lose a lot. Also, make sure you take care of the business end, and have fun making beautiful garments.

He would love to create beautiful designs for Heidi Klum, Nicole Kidman, and First Lady Michelle Obama.

In 2009, Borris Powell was part of Kansas City Fashion Week, and Fashion Focus Chicago. Recently, he showcased in the LGN events ‘A La Mode’ International Catwalk Show as part of London Fashion Week’s off-schedule program, where he was the only American designer participating.

Borris would like to see Chicago grow into a fashion destination, because there is a lot of talent here. He would also like to help bring celebrities and socialites to events in the city.

Borris envisions opening locations in Chicago, Amsterdam, Milan or London.

He is on Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Borris-Powell/166088212109, Twitter.com/borrisp. His website is http://borrispowell.com.

Prices for his custom creations range from $900-$4,200.

About the Author

Lady Red Couture perfoming as Missy Elliot at Club Ripples

Jedidiah Elliot Trucker Hat – Gray/Black $28 You prefer to keep your style simple and let your actions speak for you. Jedidiah’s Elliot trucker hat is the perfect cap to accentuate your inner charisma — not cover it up. Proceeds from this hat will benefit StandUp For Kids, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to helping homeless and at-risk children across America.

Xtreme Couture Randy Couture Primal Couture T-shirt – Black $29 Get a little loud and beastly, just like your favorite fighter, in the Primal Couture tee from Xtreme Couture. It features stone-inspired graphics with metallic embellishments and “The Natural” lettering on the front, while the back boasts Randy Couture’s name over a dark swirling backdrop of flourishes and lettering that fades to the edges. Unleash your natural, raw power.

Xtreme Couture Randy Couture Primal Couture T-shirt – Military Green $29 Get a little loud and beastly, just like your favorite fighter, in the Primal Couture tee from Xtreme Couture. It features stone-inspired graphics with metallic embellishments and “The Natural” lettering on the front, while the back boasts Randy Couture’s name over a dark swirling backdrop of flourishes and lettering that fades to the edges. Unleash your natural, raw power.

Women’s adidas Missy Elliot Originals Signature $37.99 Classic three-stripes logo down legs; Missy Elliot’s crown logo on left leg; Elastic waistband for snug comfort; Pleated front of legs for added style; 100% polyester; Machine wash warm with like colors, remove immediately, use only non-chlorine bleach; tumble dry low, cool iron;

Women’s adidas Missy Elliot Remix 3 Stripe $35.99 The unique hip-hop design inspired by Missy Elliot makes the Remix 3 Stripe Classic boots sure conversation starters at any party; Knee-high athletic shoe/boot hybrids (about 14 25 inches tall) work well with either dress or casual wear; Traditional 3-stripe adidas logo for a distinctive, old-school look; Includes an additional set of laces; Two Velcro straps for added stability, comfort and convenience;

Xtreme Couture Black Couture Patriot Premium T-shirt $34.99 Sport your Captain America style with this Randy Couture Patriot tee featuring custom artwork for The Natural look!

Xtreme Couture Jailbreak T-Shirt – Orange $29 You won’t let anything or anyone imprison you. You’re a free-spirited person, and you love your freedom. Express your liberty in this Jailbreak tee from Xtreme Couture and let those fools know that you won’t be incarcerated. This comfy tee features a chained-up Xtreme Couture logo with metallic accents on the front and back, woven Xtreme Couture labels and an Xtreme Couture chevron at the left sleeve. You’re as free as a bird and you wish to stay that way.

St John Couture Club Leopard 1 Piece Halter Bandeau Swimsuit $200 Completely couture. Mesh overlay gives a retro feeling to this timeless leopard print bathing suit. The St. John Couture Club One Piece has a keyhole back to complete this lavish look. Equipped with molded soft cups and neck tie for support. Color: Multi. Content: 80% Nylon 20% Spandex. Made in California U.S.A.

Xtreme Couture Venot 4-Way Stretch Boardshort – Gray $59 Cruise along the shores or poolside struttin’ your fine style with the Venot boardshorts by Xtreme Couture. They’re made out of a lightweight super-stretchy material, and they boast custom brand embroidery down the right leg and an oversized Xtreme Couture patch embroidered on the left leg. Whistle while you work it, brotha.

Xtreme Couture Venot 4-Way Stretch Boardshort – Red $59 Cruise along the shores or poolside struttin’ your fine style with the Venot boardshorts by Xtreme Couture. They’re made out of a lightweight super-stretchy material, and they boast custom brand embroidery down the right leg and an oversized Xtreme Couture patch embroidered on the left leg. Whistle while you work it, brotha.

Xtreme Couture Black Corduroy Adjustable Trucker Hat $43.95 Get tough style with a high-end edge in this Corduroy trucker hat by Xtreme Couture featuring corduroy front panels with a suede logo and underside of the bill!

Xtreme Couture Black Antiquated Adjustable Trucker Hat $24 There’s nothing old-school about this seriously stylin’ Antiquated trucker hat by Xtreme Couture featuring distressed features on the bill for a tough edge!

Xtreme Couture Commander T-Shirt – Black $29 Strength, check. Power, check. Performance, check. Well, what do you know—you got what it takes to be true leader! That is why the Commander tee from Xtreme Couture would be a perfect fit for you. Featuring a huge Xtreme Couture star graphic with glitter accents along with banners reading “Strength, Power and Performance” on the front, Xtreme Couture graphics at the sleeves, a smaller star across the back and allover subtle, tonal lettering, this stylish tee will let everyone know who’s the alpha male.

Xtreme Couture Randy Couture Gunner T-Shirt – Black $29 A five-time UFC World Champion and a UFC Hall of Famer, Randy Couture has had an illustrious career in MMA and is regarded as one of the sports’ pioneers. Now you can pay homage to one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time by sporting this Gunner tee from Xtreme Couture. Featuring a patriotic eagle design holding a banner reading Randy’s “Natural” nickname on the front, woven XMC labels, a stylish paint-splatter print and an XMC logo along with Randy’s name across the back, this ultra-comfy tee will have you showing pride in Captain America and his numerous achievements. Let them know who’s your hero.

Xtreme Couture Couture Beast Juniors Baby V-neck T-shirt – Teal $28 Let out your inner beast and go out on the prowl in this Couture Beast baby tee from Xtreme Couture. It features a deep v-neck and softhand screen print with distressed smudges for a fierce look that’ll inspire you to trust your instincts.

Xtreme Couture Black Lion Crest Adjustable Trucker Hat $24 Take your fighter style up a level with this Lion Crest trucker hat by Xtreme Couture featuring a leather logo!

Xtreme Couture Boom T-shirt – Black $25.95 Get deafening style in the Boom premium tee from Xtreme Couture. It features draped American flags hanging from each shoulder with a patriotic branded shield and distressed brand lettering on the front.

Xtreme Couture Brave T-shirt – Black $29 Release yourself from your self-imposed chains in the Brave tee from Xtreme Couture. It features softhand graphics of a man-made, chained eagle surrounded by steel, flourishes and branding for a bold, gutsy look.

Xtreme Couture Warbird Boardshort – White $59 Achieve ultimate style points even when you’re riding the waves or chillin’ at the poolside in the Warbird boardshorts by Xtreme Couture. With their allover distressed plaid pattern sublimated print, oversized brand logo on the left leg, and huge embroidered twill appliqué brand patch on the front right leg, these sick swimtrunks are ideal for showin’ off your killer MMA swagger.