Designer Spotlight: Anna Fong

Designers No Comments »

Skirt by Anna FongLine: Anna Fong

Background: Fong studied Fashion Design at Columbia College Chicago, and after a stint with Chaps Ralph Lauren in New York, she moved back to her hometown of Chicago to start her own line. In 2007, Fong (who is of Guatemalan and Chinese decent) won the 2007 AOL Latino Fashionista award, and was named a “rising star” by Fashion Group International.

The pieces: Classic clothing with modern details. Fong combines colors and neutrals, and her silhouettes elegantly hug a woman’s curves yet allow for plenty of movement.

Designer Inspirations: Carolina Herrera, Alexander McQueen, Elie Saab, Sonia Rykiel, Berardi, Chanel.

Chicago inspirations: “Fall in Chicago inspires me. I love the change of season and the smell of autumn in the brisk air. It makes me visualize stylishly layered garments in a mild winter setting.”

On being a designer in Chicago: “It’s definitely a competitive and challenging career choice. Chicago is giving local designers exposure, networking opportunities and workshops for designers to learn more about the business. On the other hand, we lack resources in regards to fabric suppliers, contractors and showrooms.”

What to look for: Keep your eyes peeled for Fong’s creation on the pages of glossy magazines. Celebrities have latched on to her collection, as Kimora Lee Simmons, Nadine Velazquez and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres have donned her designs. Check out her Fall ‘08 trunk show at Malabar on October 11.

Where to find Anna Fong: Macy’s State Street. Also watch for her Web site launch at anna-fong.com.

Ikram

-Womenswear, Gold Coast No Comments »

873 N. Rush, (312)587-1000, ikram.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
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Goods: Clothing and accessories for women. Designers: Proenza Schouler, Narciso Rodriguez, Junya Watanabe, Rick Owens, Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane, Lanvin, Thakoon and Jonathan Saunders. Owner: Ikram Goldman has run her eponymous Gold Coast boutique for more than five years. A famous champion of emerging design talent, Goldman’s killer eye earns her frequent mentions in the pages of Vogue. Vibe: Serene and upscale. A series of arches in the walls, swatches of gold and ornately carved wooden screens create the feeling of a haute fashion temple. Price Range: Luxury. The Look: Sophisticated fashion editor. Italian movie star. Jet-setting heiress. This woman has a weakness for glamour and a keen, intellectual understanding of fashion. Shopper’s Perks: Despite her status as couture queen of Chicago, Ikram Goldman is warm, open and charismatic. She lavishes attention and expert sartorial advice on each of her clients—plus, she throws the most fabulous parties in town.

Ikram

Akira

-Accessories, -Mens Shoes, -Menswear, -Women's Shoes, -Womenswear, Bucktown, Lincoln Park, Loop, Wicker Park/Ukrainian Village 1 Comment »

1837 W. North, (773)489-0818 (women’s flagship store), 1922 W. North, (312)423-6693 (men), 1849 W. North, (773)342-8684 (shoes), 2357 N. Clark, (773)404-5826; 122 S. State, (312)346-3034; 643 W. Diversey, (773)649-9257; akirachicago.com 1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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Goods: Women’s and men’s clothing, accessories and shoes. Designers: Rock & Republic, Citizens of Humanity, 7 for All Mankind, Max & Cleo, DKNY, Salvage, Gold Sign, Ben Sherman, Free People, Kensie, Kitchen Orange,Mieko Mellucci, French Connection, Serfontaine; dresses by BCBG, Anna Sui and Betsey Johnson; sunglasses by Alexander McQueen, Dolce & Gabbana and Just Cavalli; Monarchy, 7Diamonds, Tankfarm, Ben Sherman, Custo Barcelona and Scotch & Soda for men, shoes by Ted Baker, Creative Recreation, L.A.M.B., Chinese Laundry, Schutz, Adidas and Converse. Owners: College friends Eric Hsueh, Jon Cotay and Erikka Wang began their North Avenue domination with the Akira women’s store in 2002. Now Akira encompasses several different stores all over the city, and 20,000 square feet of retail space on a single street in Bucktown. Vibe: The atmosphere mimics the clothes—it’s young, poppy and vibrant. Clothing is organized by color and designer so you don’t have to mess around. Price Range: Inexpensive-Moderate. The Look: With so many designers, there are so many looks. But a youthful energy shines in feminine prints, bright colors, current trends and designer denim. You can score everything from denim-focused, kick-it gear to an ensemble perfect for sipping martinis at Enclave. Shopper’s Perks: The store’s personal shoppers expertly lead you through “one-stop shopping”—they’re happy to grab shoes or accessories from the other stores to completely finish your look. Stop by to pick out an outfit for a night out and receive complimentary club passes.

Akira Wicker Park

Akira

Akira Men

Akira (Men)

Akira Shoes

Akira (Shoes)

Akira Lakeview

Akira

Akira Lincoln Park

Akira

Akira Loop

Akira

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2008