In lofts, apartments and tiny workrooms across Chicago, young designers are creating clothes and accessories, hoping to — someday — be the names everyone is talking about. Wouldn’t it be great if you could tap into that vibrant fashion scene before the rest of the world discovers our homegrown talent? You can. The Tribune’s Shopping Adviser, Ellen Warren, visited three inviting shops owned by Chicago designers where you can leisurely try on locally created fashions and chat with these creative types.
MICHELLE TAN
1872 N. DAMEN AVE.; 773-252-1888, MICHELLETAN.COM
Since launching her shop in June 2006, designer Michelle Tan, 30, has expanded her line into lust-worthy, versatile purses (well priced at mostly under $400). You’ll also find inventive jackets, separates and dresses in mostly muted shades, some crocheted by hand, others adorned with wide grosgrain ribbons or shapeable collars, in the $200-$400 range. Tan also carries jewelry by Chicago designer Asia and clothing by several other designers, none from Chicago.
HABIT
1951 W. DIVISION ST.; 773-342-0093, HABITCHICAGO.COM
Lindsey Boland shows off a constantly changing roster of about 50 emerging clothes and accessories designers. Half of them are locals, and their creations include clothing by Vika Brown, delicate jewelry from Kate Mitchell (Twig Designs), fun fashion by Abigail Glaum-Lathbury and imaginative leather clutches by Carol Hillinger (C. Differently).
“We’re kind of a launch pad,” said Boland, 35, who added that her own line of dresses and separates, under the tongue-in-cheek label Superficial, is the best seller at her store.
WOLFBAIT & B-GIRLS
3131 W. LOGAN BLVD.; 312-698-8685, WOLFBAITCHICAGO.COM
The live-wire owners of this Logan Square shop design something new every week to keep you coming back to check out their fashion lines Brazen (Jenny Stadler ) and Bruiser (Shirley Nowak ).
Stadler, 30, designs clothes that are girlie but still modern with lace accents or a pink quilted lining (on a burlap camo hooded jacket, on sale for $200). Nowak, 26, designs practical items like her new Lumberjack Collection. It includes flannel-lined denim capris with button accent pocket ($120).
The store also features 86 Chicago-area designers of clothes, T-shirts, jewelry and other items you will discover you can’t possibly live without.
ON THE WEB
Watch video of Ellen Warren’s tour at chicagotribune.com/ellen.
