What defines the ultimate
in distinctive fashion?” is the question that leads off Mac’s bio. The
definition lies in the folds of his unique designs. The juxtaposing
lines and curves merging into unexpected but welcome points. Future
styles with a carefree yet deliberate attitude. These are the styles
that caught our attention and lead us to Geoffrey Mac.
Geoffrey Mac grew up in Denver Co, (around Littleton actually) and
from the beginning he always knew he was meant to work in fashion. In
high school, he would raid the thrift stores, and "manipulate" all
types of clothing. Fashion design became his craft and calling.
Eventually fate landed him in Chicago when his childhood penchant for
fashion flair drew him to The School of The Art Institute of Chicago
where he enthusiastically refined his former hobby into an aspiring
career. He received many awards and scholarships while at SAIC,
including the prestigious Best Young Designer award and moneyed a
grant from the school for his senior line.
Immediately after graduating (with honors) in the late 90's, Mac got
himself incorporated, and started his business, renting a studio in
east Pilsen, and establishing himself in the design world. Soon
thereafter he was selected to be the featured designer for The Chicago
Museum of Contemporary Art's "Stir It Up," representing their annual
"Summer Solstice" parties from 1999 to 2001. His latex lines started
garnering exposure and notice at trade shows such as "Magic" (Las
Vegas). His unusual construction created a buzz that was heightened
when Patricia Field commissioned him to generate a large order for her
New York store. Geoffrey Mac's garments have been featured on the
cover of Skin Two, and the Emmy award winning show Wild Chicago. MAC
cosmetics began sponsoring his events and fashion shows. Celebrities
such as Lil' Kim and house music legend Barbara Tucker bought couture
from his collection, and Camel cigarettes crowned him their official
National Designer. Geoffrey has now been focusing on his extensive
fabric wear for men and women. His work caught the eye of Marshall
Fields who not only picked up his women's line, but also honored him
with the coveted Distinction in Design award of 2002.
At the young age of 26 he has a corral of interns (around 10) from
various city wide schools working under him and admits "I hope to
someday create more jobs in the fashion industry." Between creating
and crafting, Geoffrey still finds time to teach at his alma mater. "I
am currently teaching a college design and construction course at the
School of the Art institute of 'Shytown.'" Mac says. He insists 'Chitown'
should be spelled 'Shytown' because "People are pretty conservative
here. It is slowly but surely getting better ... lots of room for the
brave and bold!" Geoffrey has hundreds of brave and bold designs. "I
probably have designed over 300 garments in my life." he tells me.
"I'd say 200 or so have actually made they're way out in the world,
the rest are samples, to be seen, etc. It seems that with my designs,
people are a little slow. By this I mean that I will make something,
and people will just think it's so crazy and unwearable. Then 2 years
later, when I'm so over and done with the piece, all of a sudden, it's
so hot!!! And everyone must have one. That has happened with several
of my garments. Like when it is old to me, it is then born into the
world." A symptomatic problem that seems inherent to many artists.
Mac's new designs include his Mega Pop Spring 2003 line, carefully
focused around a central belief system. As he explains: "As a designer
form must follow function. The garment must explain what movements you
are trying to express in the human body. I pull a lot of inspiration
from concept cars, as they seem to follow the same guidelines-putting
emphasis on the functions of the vehicle. I'm constantly pulling from
the past, to prepare for the future" He also muses that in that future
he may also find the time to design shoes, and furniture. "Look for me
in the future!" he boasts. The world is watching.
You can browse his available line on his web site:
GeoffreyMac.com|
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