tonya gross millinery

tonya gross millinery @ 21 Museum Hotel trunk show

2011-04-18T22:04:00.004-05:00

what a wonderful day it was on sunday, 17 apr in Louisville. the trunk show with Julia Comer of Flo Gallery at 21c Musuem Hotel was a fun time! we cannot wait to go back 4-7 May for the Kentucky Derby in Louisville! tonya gross millinery will have a pop up shop at the 21c Museum Hotel, talking hats and doing a lot of people watching! hope to see you there.

monetizing head wear

2011-02-23T17:03:00.003-06:00

working on it...

working smarter: using the data to identify opportunity

2011-01-08T14:30:00.000-06:00

Census shows minorities moving outward, whites closer to Loop - Chicago Sun-Times

i spent almost a year away from head wear to jump back into a familiar realm. data collection and project management. i dabbled in head wear, however it was a pretty intense assignment, managing a team of fourteen HUNdRED people during the decennial census. the data we collected was delivered to the president and now the data is being released to the public. i love that i get to see this from both sides...the collection process (and its authenticity, if not, at times, a dangerous endeavor) and the application of said data.

how do i intend to use the data? strategy, my friends. as i contemplate the NEXT, i am weighing in the now. what is happening within my community? my very big chicago community. can i leverage my business endeavors in this economy and in this community? do the needs of this communiity support my need for growth? i have no shortage of ideas to grow my business...or at least ideas that perpetuate the creative process. uh, in a financially healthy way. twentyten was full of peaks and valleys. i am bringing gear for the climb in twentyeeleven. this is the reality of a small creative design business.

We Influence

2010-11-09T13:46:00.003-06:00

Thank you to Influence for naming tonya gross millinery as a Style Influence! We appreciate it!

day job and soul searching

2010-05-31T20:01:00.003-05:00

as the day job contracting with the federal government begins to wind down, it's time to ramp up the day job search again. it's been a tough road the last several months, this role has taken me far from millinery. i call it the "day job" but it has been pretty pervasive. anxious for the next opportunity, wherever it might take me. hopefully, bringing me closer to millinery again. paris or london, pretty please!

mia

2010-03-28T19:40:00.001-05:00

we've been MIA from our blog. posting on facebook and twitter more often these days. we miss you! lots of events coming up! new work space!

please follow us on both:

facebook: tonya gross millinery
twitter: tonyagmillinery

hope to see you there!

Fashion Focus Chicago Presents Glitter: A Holiday Shopping Event 3 December 2009

2009-11-11T16:20:00.003-06:00

Please join us for a day of holiday shopping featuring local Chicago designers!

The event will take place on December 3 from 11 am - 8 pm in the magnificent Preston Bradley Hall located on the 3rd floor of the Chicago Cultural Center at 76 E Washington St, Chicago, IL. Admission to the event and views of the Tiffany-domed ceiling are free.

"Tam-ing of the Shrew" on Cindy Taylor, Ford Models Chicago
Photographer: David Anthony
Makeup/Hair: Rachael Kraaz Perrin with Artists By Timothy Priano
Styling: Mary-Alice Wilson with Agency Galatea

Postponed: Music & Fashion Breast Cancer Charity Event 12 December 2009!

2009-11-11T16:18:00.005-06:00

STAY TUNED...event postponed due to bad weather...

The fight against breast cancer continues long past October.
Smooth Like Butta presents

“Hope For The Holidays”, a celebration of the holiday season
at Chicago’s world famous Music Garage. This fashion event will feature the unique talents of local designers tonya gross millinery and Pilar Reed, beauty by Olya Kornikova and Dana Spence, and soundscapes by Music Garage residents Mr. Doc and Monologic.

Proceeds from this event will go to the National Breast Cancer Foundation to provide access to free and low-cost mammograms for those with limited resources.

December 12, 2009
8-midnight

Fashion Focus Cafe: An Evening of Accessories Thursday, 17 Sep, 5-8pm

2009-09-16T08:07:00.002-05:00

Join us this Thursday at the Chicago Cultural Center!

tonya gross millinery interrogated. still interesting?

2009-09-16T08:04:00.003-05:00

read the interview on interrogating the interesting on funsherpa.com: defining millinery with local chicago artist tonya gross

tonyagrossmillinery.com has been relaunched!

2009-08-17T13:22:00.006-05:00

Apologies for the inconvenience while we upgraded our site, tonyagrossmillinery.com. Exciting, more navigable and new e-commerce component is working but we have more to add!

We will continue to update this blog, tonyagmillinery on Twitter and tonyagrossmillinery on Facebook. Questions? Want to collaborate? email us on tonyagrossmillinery@gmail.com.

Thank you!

2009 Fashion Focus Chicago Sale & Runway Show featuring tonya gross millinery

2009-07-19T21:46:00.005-05:00

H E A D W E A R
Join us again this year for our favorite summer event!
Fashion Focus Chicago (aka Chicago Sidewalk Sale & Fashion Show)
Tuesday & Wednesday, 21 & 22 July
under the Picasso sculpture @ Daley Plaza
chicago, il
9am-3pm
local clothing, jewelry and head wear designers in 10 x 10 booths!
fashion show @ noon on both days

special booth guest: tonya's mom!

Upcoming event

2009-05-31T18:18:00.002-05:00

We are pleased to announce that we will participate again this year in the City of Chicago Sidewalk Sale & Fashion Show at Daley Plaza. We look forward to seeing you all on 21-22 July 2009 at this fun event with the Mayor's Fashion Council!

9am-3pm, runway show both days at noon!
Details to come!

Photos

2009-05-31T18:16:00.003-05:00

Just posting a couple of photos from the UIUC fashion show!

Casting Female Models for Photo Shoot 10 July, 2009

2009-05-21T14:05:00.002-05:00

Can you rock this hat?

I am a Chicago-based hat designer, casting female models for a photo shoot to take place on Friday, 10 July, 2009 and possibly Saturday, 11 July, 2009. The photographer and I are planning this shoot to take place in the studio and on location in Elgin, IL. While we are professionals in our respective fields, this is a portfolio-building shoot for all of us. You will receive professional photographs for your portfolio and our undying gratitude as compensation.

Please contact TONYA GROSS MILLINERY at tonyagrossmillinery@gmail.com

tonya gross millinery

milliner for hire

2009-04-20T22:07:00.008-05:00

Dear Millinery Friends and Fashion Designers,

I am an award winning milliner based in Chicago seeking opportunities in millinery as a contract milliner or hired hand. I love Chicago but growing frustrated by the limited opportunities to learn and grow as a milliner here. I am living my dream as an artist and small business owner and am willing to relocate just about anywhere for the right opportunity! Let's make beautiful accessories together!

I have trained at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago fashion and fiber departments, most notably with milliner Eia Radosavljevic; an internship with the innovative Redmoon Theatre Company in the build shop and in the costume department; and designing for several years as tonya gross millinery. I am happy to provide a CV, photos and references at your request. I also refer you to my website: http://www.tonyagrossmillinery.com for photos of some of my most recent work. Thank you!

2009-04-10T21:28:00.003-05:00

We heard that the UIUC RUNWAY show at Krannert Art Museum went well. TGM did not attend but the hats did! We are anxious to see how the photos have come out but so far, radio silence from the RUNWAY folks. We'll have an update soon...

EXIT Chicago this Friday, April 3!

2009-03-30T17:53:00.005-05:00

Our dear friend/bar wench at Exit is celebrating GRAD SCHOOL and, uh...financial unfortune. Help us raise funds to pack her on her way! Bring your change! Happy Financial Demise, TT!

tonya gross millinery spring 2009 on the runway this weekend!

2009-03-30T17:47:00.003-05:00

tonya gross millinery will be the featuring looks for the Lara Miller fall 2009 and Tatyana Merenyuk spring 2009 runway shows at the UIUC Krannert Art Museum this Saturday. Lara and Tatyana are showing beautiful work and honored to be a part of this show!

Mrs Ann Albrizio: Millinery has lost it's matriarch

2009-03-25T11:19:00.003-05:00

We learned from Ellen Christine Millinery yesterday that the matriarch of millinery, Ann Albrizio, had passed on 23 March 2009. We have no details about her funeral but thank Ellen for posting the following details:

Gleason's Funeral Home
Whiteside, NY
718-359-1122

Ann Albrizio was a legendary milliner, a maven of the industry for more than 50 years.

She started in millinery making turbans at the age of 15. In the 60's and 70's, Mrs Albrizio was the stakeholder for millinery when fashion substituted berets for beehives. As an FIT instructor, Mrs Albrizio shaped many talented designers (Eric Javits and my mentor, Eia Radosavljevic). Through her book, Classic Millinery Techniques, the bible for many milliners like myself, her generosity and talent will live on. Thank you, thank you, Ann Albrizio.

Pure Euphoria: The RUNWAY Show featuring tonya gross millinery

2009-03-22T20:03:00.005-05:00

We are pleased to announce we will be on the runway with Lara Miller, Tatyana Merenyuk, Tel Aviv Couture, Annie Ku and Julie Adams for the University of IL at Champaign RUNWAY show, Pure Euphoria, on Saturday, 4 April at the Krannert Art Museum in Champaign, IL.

I am creating new work for the Lara Miller and the Tatyana Merenyuk fall collections. Exploring new materials and LOVING the opportunity to create work for the runway! Photos of these looks and from the show will be posted to our website: http://www.tonyagrossmillinery.com

Best to you all, tgm

hats for cancer patients

2009-03-16T22:40:00.005-05:00

so, my vivacious grandmother, a 19 year breast cancer survivor, is now battling bone cancer. gram fought back the first time and came back strong, volunteering throughout western michigan to help other women through their disease.

i feel helpless. whatsa granddaughter/milliner to do?

make hats for cancer patients in gram's honor- soft and sassy.
just like gram.

Thank you!

2009-03-03T18:45:00.003-06:00

We had a blast at our head wear trunk show at Wolfbait & B-girls this weekend past! Thank you for coming out!

Time Out Chicago!

2009-02-24T15:26:00.002-06:00

Time Out Chicago ad for our hat trunk show at Wolfbait & B-girls!

Spring 2009 Preview and previous season sale!
11am-4pm
3131 W Logan Square Blvd
Chicago, IL

multiple personalities: a trunk show

2009-02-11T15:39:00.005-06:00

JOIN US!
tonya gross millinery and Lesley Timpe of Squasht by Les spring preview/past season trunk show & sale
where: Wolfbait & B-girls, 3131 W Logan Square Blvd, Chicago
when: Saturday, 28 February 2009, 11am- 4pm

Hatty Award!

2009-01-16T16:06:00.004-06:00

Ehem, announcing our Hatty Award from Hat Life publishing! What an honor to be in this crowd! A full page feature about my work is here.

Thank you to clients, friends and family for your support. I could not do this without YOU! xx tg

Chicago Style Examiner article

2009-01-16T16:02:00.002-06:00

"...Tonya Gross, a Chicago based designer who is making lavish couture hats for those who love fun, sexy, accessories..."

Thank you to Patty Johnson for her article featuring our work in the Chicago Style Examiner!
ARTICLE

the new website is up!

2009-01-05T15:52:00.002-06:00

a new year, a new website:
tonya gross millinery

or cut/paste into browser, the following:
http://tonyagrossmillinery.goods.officelive.com/default.aspx

monkey is off my back!

happy new year!

2009-01-02T17:21:00.000-06:00

thank you all for a fantastic 2008!

tgm @ Glessner House Museum Holiday Bazaar this weekend!

2008-12-11T12:56:00.004-06:00

Experience the grandeur of a 19th century Christmas! Just a reminder that tonya gross millinery will be at the Glessner House Museum this weekend, located in the historic Prairie district from 12-7pm Saturday and Sunday.

Glessner House is also the starting point for other holiday activities in the neighborhood. There are horse-drawn sleigh rides, Victorian parlor games, candlelight tours of the museum, story-telling and a visit with Santa Claus. Victorian parlor games and HATS!

Glessner House Museum 1800 S. Prairie Avenue (use 18th Street entrance)
12-7pm
Sat & Sun, 13-14 December

There is NO CHARGE to attend the Holiday Bazaar in the carriage house. For other activities there are nominal fees. Hope to see you there!

O'Hare Fashion Show

2008-12-06T20:19:00.006-06:00

Thanks to the Chicago Dept of Aviation for sending us photos of our looks at the O'Hare Fashion Show to launch Chicago Fashion Week at the end of Sep. Cindy Schilder and I created an ensemble for the first ever fashion show at O'Hare (our first guerilla marketing event). Isn't Cindy's jacket amazing? I am happy that my hat, "Safety First," really popped!

How cute is our millennial model? Thank you Elite!

CAAP

2008-12-04T20:39:00.001-06:00

it's grant season: x fingers my humanities karma is good!

now on sale at etsy!

2008-11-11T23:09:00.002-06:00

on sale now at etsy

berry colored bell cloche with leather belting

Glessner House Museum Holiday Events

2008-11-11T16:39:00.004-06:00

We've been invited to join the Historic Holiday Events at the Glessner House Museum on 13 & 14 December! It's a lovely event held each year at the historic home designed by HH Richardson in the Prairie District of Chicago. During the Arts & Crafts sale, I will be selling vintage-inspired millinery! Come and join us!

Glessner House Museum Historic Holiday
13- 14 December
12-7pm
Glessner Museum Coach House
1800 S Prairie Ave Chicago IL
shown right, "lucy, 2008"
an avocado fur felt toque with coordinating veiling and vintage bird embellishment (and now on sale at etsy!)

celebrating millinery

2008-10-12T15:40:00.004-05:00

tgm will be exhibiting at Hats 2008 at TLD Design Center in Westmont, IL 13 Oct- 30 Nov 2008. Each year, TLD, in collaboration with Dupage Textile Arts Guild, celebrates millinery through fashion shows, an exhibition and workshops. TLD offers fantastic coursework throughout the year. We respect their collegial nature and the quality of their programming. Check it out!

safety first

2008-09-29T00:12:00.005-05:00

on a big news night, we did receive press for the guerilla runway show at O'Hare on Friday AM to kick off Chicago Fashion Week! our safety (aka international) orange sculptural piece is the first look. we collaborated with Cindy Schilder on our look. Cindy made a fantastic leather vest with removable quilted collar.

why i love chicago

2008-09-07T23:20:00.004-05:00

and mayor daley's fashion council: guerrilla marketing. a team of chicago-based designers is set to visually assault travelers flying through o'hare on 26 september to set the stage for chicago fashion week. cindy schilder designs and tonya gross millinery are collaborating on a look for our elite model. the photo is of tgm's head piece (fresh off the block): safety, i mean, international orange orchid called "beacon." more pics to follow...

ETSY store is now up!

2008-09-07T23:17:00.001-05:00

please visit my new ETSY store!
http://www.tonyagrossmillinery.etsy.com
it's the end of summer. time to clear out summer merchandise and introduce you to your new fall look!

slide show of delicious millinery

2008-08-13T16:27:00.001-05:00

Thank you Chicago Stitches Program!

2008-08-04T16:34:00.001-05:00

for your fabulous feedback!
"ultra innovative headwear by tonya gross millinery"
thank you!

Photos from the runway at Chicago Sidewalk Sale 2008

2008-08-04T13:46:00.000-05:00

visit Flickr for the full slide show!

Gracias! CSS and Fashion Show 2008!

2008-07-25T12:44:00.000-05:00

Thank you to ALL who stopped by at the Chicago Sidewalk Sale & Fashion Show this week! We had the most unbelievable weather... gorgeous Elite models wearing our hats...great "neighbors Heidi Hess and Erin Gallagher...a and a well-orchestrated event hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs. Kudos to Melissa Gamble, Taylor Wilson and the Mayor's Fashion Council! We were overwhelmed by the number of hat lovers out there! Thank you for the encouragement!

CSS Announcement featuring one of tgm's hats "Abunai Yo!" (the name in the ad is a misprint) is on the CSS site and in the Chicago Reader this week! Pictures from the show posted soon!

PS extra special thanks to Lama, A-, D-, A-, J-, G-, B-, C- and lil ones, K-, the YWCA crew and YOU!

REMINDER: Chicago Sidewalk Sale & Fashion Show 22- 23 July!

2008-06-29T17:59:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that the City of Chicago's Department of Cultural Affairs Fashion Show & Sidewalk Sale is coming soon!
9am- 3pm
Noon fashion show both days
Tuesday, 22 July and Wednesday 23 July 2008
Daley Plaza

Please come out to see us under the Picasso again this year!

Inspired!

2008-06-22T22:21:00.000-05:00

Stunning friend H in a hat inspired by a jack-in-the-pulpit for the Fleurotica show at Garfield Park Conservatory. H looks amazing!

Mad Hatters Ball Chicago 2008

2008-06-22T20:19:00.000-05:00

Thanks, Laura!

Laura from GenArt Chicago looked FABULOUS in my "Zee Cabaret" straw boater (left) at the Lookingglass Theater's Mad Hatter fund raising event last month!

Raymond Hudd Millinery Award!

2008-05-21T20:18:00.000-05:00

I am THRILLED to announce that I won a Raymond Hudd Millinery Award from the Fashion Department at the School of the Art Institute for my collection this spring semester!

Raymond Hudd's millinery career spanned over 50 years and is one of the last of his generation of great milliners. Whimsical, humorous and beautifully crafted hats are his signature, shown left. This is truly an honor...and an inspiration. YAY, pinch me!

tgm Special Values brought to you by the Chicago Office of Tourism

2008-05-03T19:31:00.000-05:00

We are offering a 15% discount on custom orders when you mention this ad:
http://www.chicagoofficeoftourism.org/specialValues/shopping/index.html

UPDATED! City of Chicago Sidewalk Sale & Fashion Show 22-23 Jul 2008!

2008-04-24T11:01:00.000-05:00

tonya gross millinery will have a booth at the city of Chicago's 2nd Annual Sidewalk Sale and Fashion Show at Daley Plaza again this year! Very exciting!

22-23 July 2008 (tuesday and wednesday)
9am- 3pm
fashion show at NOON both days
daley plaza (uh, look at our venue!)

details to follow...

SAIC Student Sale a Success!

2008-04-24T10:58:00.001-05:00

SOLD! Thank you ALL for coming out to see us at the SAIC Spring Sale! The turnout and sales were incredibly encouraging for this new little business. Onwards and upwards!

SAIC Spring Art Sale

2008-04-12T15:18:00.000-05:00

HI! I wanted to remind everyone that the School of the Art Institute 8th Annual Spring Art Sale will be held this coming week:

Friday, 18 April 11am- 7pm
Saturday, 19 April 10am- 6pm
MacLean Ballroom
112 S Michigan Ave

The Spring Art Sale is comprised of work created by students at SAIC. Work includes: photographs, ceramics, prints, sculptures, gifts, jewelry, paintings, drawings and HATS by tonya gross! Come and see me at Booth #14 on the main selling floor. My booth will be at the front, near the windows. There will be a cash bar in case you would like to have a cocktail while shopping. Note that items are priced to SELL. This is a great opportunity to support up and coming artists and find some great deals. Hope to see you there!

Happy spring!
tonya

I Won the Lottery!

2008-03-14T22:33:00.000-05:00

Sort of... The School of the Art Institute of Chicago hosts the 8th Annual Spring Art Sale of student work at the MacLean Center Ballroom, 112 South Michigan Avenue, on Friday, 18 April and Saturday, 19 April. Yours truly's number was selected. HUGE opportunity to present a collection to the Chicago community! Hope to see you there! Stay tuned!

chicago aka the skunk place

2008-03-07T14:21:00.000-06:00

the FLEUROTICA event - it sounds like something naughty on the runway, doesn't it?

i am creating a version of the wild leek, as it is indigenous to our area and has an interesting connection to chicago. useless knowledge of the day: part of the origin of the name of our lovely city- the Menomini name for the wild leek, "pikwute sikakushia" or "skikako"- came to be chicago or the "skunk place." the wild leek was abundant in our pre-urban swampland. those of us who live here know that during the spring months, the skunk place will own up to its name! be grateful the wild leek hat i am creating will utilize silk for petals. no stinkies.

Fleurotica Fashion Show

2008-03-07T14:13:00.000-06:00

as a student at SAIC, i will be creating for the runway for the garfield park conservatory's 1st annual FLEUROTICA show featuring fashion and head wear utilizing or inspired by live fleura!

FRIDAY, 28 March 2008

"The botanical fashion show of the century treats guests to a variety of artistic floral interpretations in wraps and clothing, hats, parasols, corsages and more, all made from flowers, plants and leaves. The runway soiree is a collaborative event between the Garfield Park Conservatory Alliance and Chicago-area florists, and students from the Millinery Department of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Stunning floral arrays in Horticulture Hall, beautiful lighting, music, refreshments and professional photographers make it an affair to remember."

will post photos of the work in progress. i am concentrating on flowers/plants indigenous to chicago, the american waterlily and the wild leek.

what is millinery?

2008-03-07T13:16:00.000-06:00

millinery is designing, manufacturing and/or selling hats and hat embellishments.

couture millinery is the art of designing, handblocking (over a sculpted object/shape) and handfinishing headwear using the finest materials.

a milliner, therefore, is the artist creating what i think of as wearable soft sculpture.

welcome!

2008-03-07T12:32:00.000-06:00

welcome hat lovers! my intention here is to expand my network, provide commentary on the head wear industry and to provide you with access to couture and street head wear trends and product. as a second-degree student in fiber and fashion at the school of the art institute of chicago, i will no doubt insert commentary and photos on my experiences as a non-traditional art student as well. i can't help it.

(affordable) couture for the masses!