Local designer picked up by Macy’s on NBC’s ‘Fashion Star’
By Jessica sedgwick, jsedgwick@suntimes.com April 4, 2012 11:50AM
Chicago designer Barbara Bates of NBC's "Fashion Star."
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Updated: April 4, 2012 12:34PM
Whew! Chicago contestant Barbara Bates finally got a win on last night’s “Fashion Star,” NBC’s reality fashion design competition.
After three episodes of being rejected by the buyers from Macy’s, H&M and Saks, Bates finally scored with two casual haltler dresses, snatched up by Caprice Willard of Macy’s.
The Sleeveless Printed Halter Shirtdress, $99, has an abstract print inspired by city streets. The Sleeveless Hooded Halter Dress, $79, has the soft feel of a sweatshirt, but with the tailored look of a party dress.
Both dresses are available on Macy’s.com and at Macy’s Herald Square in New York. Most of the “Fashion Star” designs have sold out at Macy’s.com, so you may want to shop quickly.
Bates, 55, is a recent breast cancer survivor and has worked in the fashion industry for more than 25 years.
Bates has designed for numerous celebrities, including Whitney Houston, Michael Jordon, Steve Harvey and Cece Winans. In 1999, she founded the Bates Foundation, which provides custom prom attire for underprivileged young women and men from inner-city Chicago schools.
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