Get Our Newsletter... | SERPICOExpect the Unexpected“My clothes are easy to wear, but they have lots of interesting twists,” says Chicago fashion designer Melissa Serpico Kamhout. Some of these creative touches include adjustable collars and ruffles on dramatic blouses, intricate twists of woven taffeta trimming sweet little cocktail dresses, or custom-made taffeta peonies adorning the collars of sleek satin blouses. Every item that emerges from The SERPICO Showroom has some unique features – in fact, the inclusion of an unexpected element or two could be considered a SERPICO trademark.
Although many of her pieces are quite dramatic, Melissa creates the kinds of pieces you’ll have in your closet for years. Taking advantage of the timeless appeal of a classic pea coat or pencil skirt, she updates them with modern details, resulting in styles that will still look current ten years from now. The enduring nature of Melissa’s work stems from the fact that she doesn’t follow the trends dictated by the often fickle fashion industry. Instead, her many sources of inspiration include contemporary art and architecture, evidenced in the sleek, structural lines of her garments. Like many designers, Melissa has always been interested in fashion. But she initially studied graphic design at Loyola University Chicago, earning a degree in Visual Communications before deciding to focus on her true passion. While a student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, she won the Marshall Field’s Perry Ellis Award. Upon graduation, Melissa started her own label, and SERPICO is now one of the hottest up-and-coming names on the Chicago fashion scene. A few highlights from her recent collections include avant-garde asymmetrical silk charmeuse dresses and taffeta blouses, full-skirted strapless taffeta frocks, versatile cropped jackets (including one in metallic brocade), and embellished merino wool sweaters that make excellent layering pieces. It’s not just the visual impression; purchasing something from SERPICO, you know you’re getting quality. Each item is impeccably finished according to Melissa’s exacting standards: she once spent weeks working out the best way to weave strips of raw-edged taffeta together. Melissa will also work with clients on made-to-order pieces that are sure to surpass the highest expectations. At the moment, SERPICO is available at The SERPICO Showroom in Pilsen’s Fountainhead building, at occasional trunk shows at the recently opened Erin Gallagher boutique, and at Macy’s on State as part of the Chicago Designer Shops. The current collection can also be viewed on the SERPICO website. Melissa plans to open an online boutique as well. And you can be sure there will be more excitement to come in this talented young designer’s very bright future.
The SERPICO Showroom
Photos courtesy of SERPICO. SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – J. Zenn. We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions.
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