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.
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.
Designer of The Moment 2022: Andre Brumfield Revitalizing urban environments through urban design, master planning and architecture is, for Brumfield, the means to create places of opportunity.
Line: Anna Fong
