Emily is your go-to for all things about plus-sized fashion…
Chicago’s first fashion week wrapped up on October 18 with a stellar runway event from luxury fashion designer Taneasha Prunty and her newest apparel line, Evolve. Prunty’s brand Gidi encapsulates refinement and a strong global influence. Inspired by the chic landscape of French womenswear, Evolve showcased timeless and staple dresses perfect for a city getaway in the country where romance comes to life through dazzling couture.

Chicago’s TechNexus Venture Collaborative hosted the sneak-peek show, preceded by a cocktail hour of industry networking with fellow designers and models. Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter John Hill co-hosted the event with a lively DJ set while models walked the runway. Gidi’s designs depicted the transition from France’s summer warmth into Autumn, with bright yellow and rust-orange color schemes.

Looks ranged from plaid yellow, orange, blue and green dresses perfect for an Emily in Paris moment to business-ready navy-blue suits. Though the runway was intimate and cozy, its designs took viewers across the globe.

Evolve is influenced by the “sun-kissed landscape of the South of France” and is meant to “encapsulate a palette that dances between wistful hues and sophisticated tones,” according to Gidi’s website. Aside from Evolve, Prunty’s creativity cultivated other apparel lines for Gidi called Cohesion, Luxe and Floraison.

Cohesion consists of Gidi’s classic, staple pieces perfect for standing out at work like jumpsuits and pencil skirts. Luxe encapsulates the elegance of the night with a bold red evening gown and modish dresses with a futuristic style. Floraison, as hinted by its name, is inspired by the delicacy of Spring, embracing pastel pinks and yellows.
Though Prunty is a Chicago native, Gidi’s influence reaches across the country to Los Angeles and Scottsdale. Gidi launched in 2012 and made the runway at New York Fashion Week the same year, Prunty’s life-long dream.
Now, she can add Chicago Fashion Week to her long list of accomplishments!
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Emily is your go-to for all things about plus-sized fashion tips, news, influencers and shopping catalogues. She's also a college student passionate about social justice through journalism, always highlighting marginalized stories.




