Luxury in women’s fashion has a new name—Borris Powell.
He is the winner of the prestigious Oscars Designer Challenge in 2011 and receives numerous local and national press; including Lucky and Elle. Born in Alabama, the passionate designer developed his dreams of a career in fashion early on in life. Throughout his childhood, while observing his mother preparing for a night out on the town or even a Sunday visit to church, he trained his young eyes on color and silhouette. This is how his lifelong dream began. He would often advise her on style choices and then, while everyone was away, he would sneak into the living room to play with the sewing machine and develop his craft.
Inspired by the masterful shapes of Christian Dior; Powell followed his dreams and moved to Chicago to start his design career in 1997. Over the following decade, at the consistent urge of his friends, he pursued his vision with an infectious entrepreneurial talent and creativity that has built him a devoted following of fans. His trademark silhouettes have the comforting familiarity of his early authentic memories mixed with a chic nod to high-end city life.
“I’ve always wanted to make women feel beautiful,” Powell says. Perfection for an unforgettable night on the town is exactly what it feels like to step into one of his custom-made pieces. His designs are created with a flirtatious mix of art and sartorial skill. He uses surprising textures and classic colors that complement the female form without losing sight of the luxury aesthetic. “When you look good, you feel good and everything else will fall into place.”
In addition to family and the masters of fashion, Powell’s fashion inspiration also comes from travel and devotion to study. His collections include exciting approaches to big ideas ranging from philosophy to cinema. And his meticulous study of fashion has not been devoted to trends, but a lasting discovery and emotion in finding their inner beauty. His designs have the power to make women walk a little taller and with confident grace in their stride. From Milan to Paris to Amsterdam and Shanghai; he’s absorbed a sense of global ideas of the best looks for the female body. It’s those ideals he constantly tailors into every design he creates. From his signature gowns, ready-to-wear, resort collections and even handbags, each is true to its aesthetic.
Romantic, elegant and with a seductive sensibility, Powell’s designs are perfect for any occasion. Throughout his successes, he manages to still keep his focus on the client. “I try to keep things simple while constantly staying true to my work, myself and the women I design for. Luxury never sounded so simple or looked so good.” ~Borris Powell
©Borris Powell Designs LLC
