The new face of luxury fashion is Borris Powell. The Chicago-based designer is a rising star among independents across the country. Borris is a native of Alabama and grew up admiring his mother’s style which quickly led him to grasp a sense of color, silhouette, and fine lines. Inspired by the excellence of Christian Dior and his powerful use of shapes is what Borris seeks in all of his designs. With the support and encouragement from family and friends, Borris moved to Chicago in 1997 to pursue his vision. Since then, he has consistently culminated his design brilliance.

Intriguing textures and classic color combined with exemplary use of shape and detail is what to expect. His designs are created with a flirtatious and artful mix. His exciting ideas derive from cinema graces and philosophical beliefs. From Milan, Paris, Amsterdam and Shanghai, his global sense of what looks best on the female body is reflected in his entire collection which ranges from signature gowns to even swimwear. He tailors to specific ideals to make women feel beautiful. What speaks Borris Powell? Romantic. Elegant. Confident.

Borris Powell is one of 2011 Oscar Designer Challenge finalists. He has been featured in numerous Chicago-based and national magazines; including Lucky and Elle. In addition, Borris has been an exclusive independent at New York’s famed Fashion Week for Spring and Fall for the past two years. He is also one of the most sought after designers for fashion shows across the country. Late 2010 was most glorious: Borris opened his first design studio on North Halsted in exciting Chicago.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is inviting the public to vote on an element of its annual Oscar^® telecast. In “Oscars Designer Challenge 2011,” nine up-and-coming fashion designers are vying to have their original evening gown worn by one of the Awards escorts during the 83rd Academy Awards on Sunday, February 27.  Members of the fashion and entertainment press will be introduced to the ten designers and their creations at a runway fashion show on February 15 at the Academy’s Beverly Hills headquarters.

The designers participating in “Oscars Designer Challenge 2011” are Angela Avanesyan, Los Angeles; Katelyn Bischof, New York; Octavio Carlin, Los Angeles; Miriam Cecilia Carlson, Chicago; James De Colon, Chicago; Zoe Hong, Oakland, California; Borris Powell, Chicago; Natalia Romano, Los Angeles; and Clay Sadler, Los Angeles. An advisory committee selected the designers and paired them with Los Angeles-based models, one of whom will wear the public’s favorite gown as she brings Oscar statuettes onto the stage of the Kodak Theatre on Oscar Night^®.

The voting period for “Oscars Designer Challenge 2011” ends TODAY 11:59 p.m. PT, February 21, 2011, at Oscar.com, the official website of the Academy Awards, where movie fans and fashion lovers will be able to see footage of the gowns and cast their vote.  Anyone over the age of 18 can register to participate and will be eligible to vote.

Also beginning on February 16, “Oscars Designer Challenge: Behind the Dress,” a Web series documenting the competition, will be viewable on Oscar.com daily through February 20.  A recap episode with an interview with the winner will be viewable on February 28.

The winning design will be announced first during “Oscars Red Carpet Live,” the live arrivals show that will air on ABC beginning at 4 p.m. PT on February 27.

In addition to having his or her winning design worn on the live telecast, the winning designer will receive two tickets to attend the Oscars ceremony.

A team of expert hairstylists from Roy Teeluck Salon and 83rd Academy Awards head makeup artist Bruce Grayson will prepare the models for their high-fashion stroll down the runway. Shoes by Stuart Weitzman and jewelry by emerging jewelers Jay Carlile, Diamond in the Rough and Gabriele Frantzen will complete the looks.

Academy Awards for outstanding film achievements of 2010 will be presented on Sunday, February 27, 2011, at the Kodak Theatre at Hollywood & Highland Center®, and televised live on the ABC Television Network.  The Oscar presentation also will be televised live in more than 200 countries worldwide.

The future is bright for Borris Powell. In 2011 he plans to extensively promote his brand to gain the attention of women everywhere while continuing to cater to dedicated fans. He will also be at New York Fashion Week for the preview of his Spring 2012 collection in September. Borris’ collections are also presented each season locally in Chicago. Expect nothing less than stunning at the viewing of his Fall 2011 Collection on March 11 th at Chicago’s Sheraton Hotel. Most of all, Borris plans to grow his studio into a full design house.

For more information or to contact Borris Powell, please visit BorrisPowell.com.

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