When the producer of the Oscar Designer Challenge 2011 called fashion designer James De Colón to compete in its competition, de Colón immediately said yes. He could not turn down an opportunity to design an evening gown that could be worn by one of the award escorts during the 83rd Academy Awards on Feb. 27.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Colón, 57. “It lets me know that there is an acknowledgement of me being a Latino designer.”

De Colón was already familiar with the competition. Last year, his friend fashion designer Elda de la Rosa was chosen as one of only nine designer finalists in the country but did not win. Highlights like these are putting Chicago on the fashion map.

“We are incredibly excited for this opportunity to acknowledge the talent of our Latino designers,” César Rolón Jr., CEO of Imagen Consultants said in a written statement sent to EXTRA. “It is the second consecutive year that a Chicago Latino designer has been chosen to compete in this prestigious event.”

De Colón had seven days to develop and mail three fashion sketches. After the competition chose one of the sketches, de Colón had three weeks to make the evening gown. He then traveled to California to meet and fit the model.

The gown he designed is inspired by the 30s, ‘a glamorous period’ according to de Colón. The gown is black metallic lame with an empire bodice embellished in emerald-black feathers. The low-cut v-shaped back in black transparent organza has a short sweep train in emerald-black feathers.

Some have compared his evening gown to the costumes seen in the film, “Black Swan.”

“I am flattered that it is compared to ‘Black Swan’ because of the [Oscar] nominations ...