Five Chicago Women in Fashion
With different missions, inspirations, and experiences behind their brands, these Chicago-based female fashion designers are contributing to the city’s thriving fashion scene. For this year’s Women’s History Month, we profile five women who have worked tirelessly to make a name for themselves.
Photo courtesy of Facebook.
Karyn Pettigrew
After missing her flight back home after traveling across Europe, this Chicago native realized overpacking added layers of trouble. From that point she dreamt of traveling carry-on only and created ZoeGoes, a six-piece sustainable capsule wardrobe that simplifies women’s travel. The modern-minimalist collection is multifunctional and allows for maximizing few clothing pieces to create unique, multiple, no-repeat outfits. ZoeGoes’ eco-friendly fabrics and made-to-demand production process aim to encourage women to walk through life helping the planet by being less wasteful.
Photo from Steven Nunez, The Columbia Chronicle
Imani Kutti
Influenced by her Ivorian and Nigerian background, fashion designer Imani Kutti started her own online fashion line Ivory Kutts to not only bring but also open up conversations about African fashion in Chicago. At just 23-years-old, Kutti’s trendy and cultural-inspired collection has been recognized in fashion shows locally and in New York City. Working as a manager at Bronzeville Boutique has also helped grow her fashion line: styles, patterns, and fabrics coming through the store inspire her pieces, and the store became a second hub where Kutti sells some of her designs.
Photo courtesy of Instagram
Rahat Khan
Global experiences meet luxury in Rahat Khan’s brand The LUXELLE, which believes there is a story behind every piece. A traveler and fashion enthusiast at heart, the Chicago-based fashion designer’s trips around the world bring to life the distinctive elegance of each country’s scenery, structures and overall outlook in her seasonal style collection for the sophisticated woman fearless in making a statement in her outfits.
Photo courtesy of Instagram
Angela Brantley and Rhea Fernandez
The fashion designer duo shared a vision of elevating the Windy City’s urban street style—and their HERO/BLACK line fits the bill. From bomber, mesh, graphic tee, metallic and leather pieces to retro cuts and silhouettes, the ladies drive home an edgy and high-end streetwear aesthetic catered for a younger male and female base. They truly redefine casual street looks with their diverse piece combinations.