25th
EMERGING DESIGNER: Anastasia Chatzka
Anastasia Chatzka’s plan was to land herself an NY internship with an established designer that would result in a full time job. Chatzka got the internship, with Anna Sui no less. But not feeling the creative vibe she desired, she packed her bags and returned to Chicago with the plan to start her own line.
Since July, Chatzka has been working on her self-titled line, and recently previewed her Spring/Summer collection at the University of Chicago’s Lascivious Ball and Fashion Show.
Playing with volume and a 1950’s aesthetic, Chatzka has created a collection that brings to mind Betsey Johnson cart-wheeling down the runway, dreads flying. The collection involves an array of candy colored (think tropical skittles) separates that screams quirky-cool. For instance, she pairs a high-wasted hot pink and gold skirt with matching organza shell. Another fun look is a pair of plaid bloomers with matching vest. In addition, Chatzka has created a series of skin-tight lamé leggings for the fashion daring in colors like hot pink, purple, and turquoise. In sum, her collection is all about girl’s wanting to have fun, pardon the Lauper reference.
Chatzka and her team of interns are currently working on her next line at her Wicker Park loft and studio. Come February, you can order pieces from her Spring/Summer collection on her website but look forward to shopping at her own boutique within the next year!
By Jetty-Jane Connor

