Meet the team
Tony Long
CEO of Fashionbar LLC
Tony Long, CEO Of FashionBar LLC is a Chicago resident focused on a mission to help identify Chicago as a fashion destination. Tony acquired his Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Management with a Certificate in Entrepreneurship Studies from University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). Tony worked for various fortune 100 companies such as Federal Mogul Corporation (Formerly known as FelPro Corporation), Avery Dennison, Alcan Packaging, WW Grainger etc. In his 20yrs of corporate experience in Marketing, Management, Manufacturing and Distribution, he’s accomplished the opening of a manufacturing facility in Orange, France for Nestle Corporation during his employment at Alcan Packaging.
He’s implemented SAP technologies at WW Grainger and project managed the execution of Healthcare Reform mandates and regulations at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois which was set forth by Obamacare and the US Federal Government. After achieving a list of comprehensive corporate achievements, Tony shifted his focus on his true dedication onto Fashion business where he’s been able to launch FashionBar Chicago. This vision to combine this corporate experience coupled with his flair for fashion has strengthened his presence within the Chicago fashion industry. FashionBar Chicago continues to grow as a central source for business
Steve Alvarez
Director of Runway Execution
Steve Alvarez is the Director of Runway Execution/Master Stylist for FashionBar Chicago a premier fashion strategy consulting firm specializing in runway execution, styling, marketing, public relations, and promotions. He has over 15 years of vast experience within the Fashion Industry ranging from fashion styling, wardrobe styling, window styling, fashion consulting, and personal shopping working with various national corporations/brands such as Ralph Lauren, Neiman Marcus and Macys to name a few.
He received a Bachelors in Business Administration from Loyola University of Chicago and later obtained a Master’s of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications from Roosevelt University. Style Philosophy: Fashion is an amazing outlet for ones self expression. It’s an opportunity for people to motivate, cultivate, aspire, create and become who they feel they want to be. The person becomes the master of their own story through fashion.
SAM UDONI
Marketing & Merchandise Coordinator | Runway Model
Sam brings five years of experience in fashion curation and creative marketing, complemented by her Psychology and Philosophy background from Colorado State University. At FashionBar, her responsibilties include develops marketing strategies, creates digital content, manages vendor/designer relations, coordinates sustainable merchandise, plans events, oversees models, and directs showroom operations. Drawing from her experience in consignment and wholesale second-hand clothing, Sam collaborates with both emerging and established designers. She approaches fashion as a powerful form of expression that shapes communities, specifically passionate about building Chicago’s fashion scene through a positive lens.
Daniel Pojmaevich
marketing, communications & web development
Over 5 years of education and professional business experience in the field of Communications, Marketing and Operations working for companies focused on wellness and health. Daniel focused on various projects- from messaging strategy, content documentation to customer retention by offering products or services to grow businesses. Daniel manages FashionBar’s operations on day-to-day bases and handles processes to large scale events such as FashionBar The Shows. Daniel’s responsibilities include fashion marketing to assist designer fashion brands with strategies needed to establish their lifestyle brands and go-to market to drive sales.
Daniel focuses on marketing, building websites for clients & communication. By leading the digital operations side of the business, Daniel ensures that FashionBar’s mission is in line with how projects are presented and organized. Daniel also brings to the table a background in audio and sound that assists him to establish lifestyle brands.
Meet the resident designers
Jermikko
fashion designer
Jermikko Shoshanna, a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago, began her career in a modest studio apartment with just $50 and a dream. She has grown to become the first African American woman to own a design and clothing manufacture in Illinois. Jermikko has received multiple awards, including Designer of the Year by the Apparel Industry Board of Illinois. She designs across three labels: the high-end Jermikko label, the contemporary The Possibles by Jermikko, and the missy line J by Jermikko, each reflecting her unique aesthetic that blends whimsy with sophisticated style. Click here to visit Jermikko’s website.
Adam
thirdcoast Chicago
Third Coast Chicago pays homage to the diverse neighborhoods, breathtaking sites and historic moments that have built a city in the middle of everywhere. Inspired by the uniquely urban-coastal vibes of the Windy City, this brand features an expansive array of product categories including streetwear apparel, vintage wear, leather-goods and jewelry. Chicago’s Buckingham Fountain is a core component of the brands DNA and the shape of this iconic fountain can be found in multiple iterations of the brand’s collections, as well as their logo. Third Coast Chicago is on a mission to convey the incomparable character and spirit of Chicago, through the the medium of fashion. Click here to visit ThirdCoast Chicago’s website.
marisol
Muse Chicago
Marisol is the founder of Muse Chicago, a boutique studio that merges fashion, art, and culture in the heart of Chicago. Dedicated to elevating local fashion designers, her studio collaborates with well-known community figures, showcasing their unique styles in exclusive photoshoots. This initiative not only highlights local craftsmanship and innovation but also promotes community engagement through fashion. Marisol’s commitment to celebrating the city’s creative spirit invites influencers, artists, and entrepreneurs to become part of this vibrant project, fostering a rich cultural exchange in Chicago’s fashion scene. Click here to visit Muse’s website