Venus Girl of the Month: Anastasia Chatzka

We chat with the Chicago-based fashion designer, former riot grrrl, and cupcake connoisseur.

By Siera Cerny
Published: June 25th, 2010 | 12:03am

After working with Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui in New York City, Anastasia Chatzka knew she had what it took to get her dream career. She took on the world of fashion one vibrant garment at a time and now has a boutique in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood with hopes of expanding her style across oceans. Here she talks about success, rock'n'roll and why reality shows are a joke.

From conception to creation, what is your design process like? Where do you find inspiration?

I am inspired by historical clothing, the music I listen to, and finding the perfect fabric that speaks to me. I love the fashions from the baroque and rococo periods, along with the Victorian era. The detail in the clothing is stunning.

As far as music goes, a lot of the bands I love have strong women as the leaders. I was in a riot grrrl chapter in Michigan. We used to make zines and put on benefit shows in Detroit. Growing up I listened to a lot of Sleater Kinney, L7, and Hole. Right now I'm into Metric and The Distillers. The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and The Velvet Underground are also some of my all time favorites.

Fabric selection is super important to my design process. I’m drawn to natural fibers like silk, cotton, and wool. I consider the quality, color, print, and texture of the material. Once I figure that out, I start draping garments to come up with original designs.

The fashion industry seems like a tough one. What kind of struggles, if any, have you experienced? How has that influenced your artistic vision?

I can only laugh because the biggest struggle is educating the consumer and letting them know that we are not selling $10 tops at Forever 21. We are selling designer labels, high quality in all aspects from fabric to manufacturing to customer service. I can’t say that it has influenced my artistic vision but I try to have something for everyone at the store.

How do you define success?

It is something like an illusion. One works so hard to reach a goal, but by the time you reach it, you have bigger plans for yourself. It seems like we’re always chasing after something better.

I am successful because I am designing clothing under my own label and I have my own store. But a bigger success would be opening more stores and having my designs carried in boutiques worldwide. It’s hard work and I put in a lot of hours, but it’s all happening and I couldn’t be happier!

Do you have favorite designers or style icons?

My favorite designer is John Galliano for Christian Dior couture. I love the color, volume, and eccentric beauty that his clothing exerts.

As a designer, do you feel that you see the world differently than other people?

I tend to notice the details and design principles in every day life. When I am walking down the street, I see things as pictures and composition. First I frame it in my head, then I look at how it is framed in reality.

While in Paris I was taking tons of photos focusing on the detail of the buildings: surface texture, brick work, and mold patterns. You can see a picture of a building in a book or on the internet—but to be up close and next to it, you see it differently.

Are there any fashion faux pas you feel particularly strong about?

Yes! No flip-flops, no Uggs, no sweatpants!

How do you feel about reality shows like Launch My Line and Project Runway?

I’ve tried out for a few of them and made it to the end of the process—but I’m not a fan. They don’t pick people for the show based on the quality of the designer. [The producers] pick personalities for the show: like the gay guy, the house mom, the artsy chick, and then test them to see how much drama they can stir up. It’s a joke.

Outside of designing, do you have other artistic outlets or hobbies?

Before I had fashion in my life I thought I would be a photographer. I love taking photos with my Holga or 35mm. I also enjoy painting. But my favorite hobby is making and decorating cupcakes! I recently bought neon colored icing dye! So fun!

Any advice for aspiring designers?

Know everything and be good at all of it—unless you're filthy rich and can hire people to do everything for you.

What is your fashion philosophy?

Wearing clothing should be fun and interesting. Fashion is unpredictable and it can be whatever you want it to be. I treat life as if it’s one big fashion fantasy that I am living out, trying to perfect all the details of the story.

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Anastasia Chatzka online

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Think you have what it takes to be the next Venus Girl of the Month? Leave us a comment below, or email intern@venuszine.com and tell us why we should pick you!

Comments

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partyliz (about 1 year)
I'd like to nominate my friend Melissa Torres aka "Cake Hero" for her amazing cakes! She does magic with fondant and she's one cool chick. http://www.cakehero.com/

mariposa1273 (about 1 year)
She has worked with Betsey Johnson and Anna Sui. I am so jealous! :)