Local Designer: Michelle Barone

Growing up in Georgia, Michelle Barone tagged along to fabric stores with her interior decorator mom. "I've basically been draping textiles, tassels, and thread around myself since I was six," says the 24-year-old clothing designer. And the theme has stuck; the dresses, capes, and tops from her line, Misha Barone, are embellished with elaborate trim, structured pleats, and dangling fringe. Launched earlier this year from her basement studio in Lincoln Square, the Art Institute grad's collection got a jump-start when she was invited to show her work at an opening party for the Institute's new Modern Wing. It was an appropriate setting for her daring pieces. "They're for someone who doesn't mind attention," she says. Prices range from $115 to $700. For more info, go to mishabarone.com.