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Chicago Fashion Connect is a fashion promotions company, including fashion design, photography and modeling, who’s mission is to fill in “the gaps that exist in the fashion industry and removing the obstacles that stand between the emerging fashion talent and their success“.

On Tuesday, October 4, 2011, Chicago Fashion Connect featured Crystal B. Designs by local designer Crystal Simms. Crystal studied at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Chicago, is one of the six 2011 resident designer at the Chicago Fashion Incubator, and was a semi-finalist at Project Runway.

The Chicago Fashion Incubator, located at Macy’s on State Street, gives six emerging Chicago fashion designers a year long “Designer in Residency” program where  they learn the ins and outs of the business. The program also exposes them to mentoring from industry and business professionals, fashion experts and insiders, just to name a few. Applications are accepted for the yearly program, but only 6 are accepted.

This is a great another great achievement for Crystal, as she is simultaneously re-branding her line and connecting with fashion enthusiasts and professionals throughout Chicago.

In her exclusively interview with Chicago Fashion Connect, she states that her inspiration comes from, “…modern architecture. Because my aesthetic is clean, modern, simple, yet innovative, I try to stick with being inspired from anything relating to architecture.” And it shows in her designs that were streamlined with virtually no frills, yet still beautiful and feminine.

Because Crystal’s line is targeting women modern 25-35 years old, I wanted to know her advice to all the busy (suburban) moms, who are wanting to look fashionable while doing their motherly duties.

Momma Cuisine: What fashion advice would you give the mom on how to look fashionable while doing her daily motherly duties, like bringing the kids to school, grocery shopping, etc?

Crystal Simms: Wearing well fitted jeans with a simple tank or tee-shirt, with a blazer and flats is a great look that is comfortable and stylish. I have tons of blazers!

You can catch Crystal Simms and her Crystal B. Designs collection at the Chicago Fashion Incubator at Macy’s on State Street.