Unique Boutique: Habit

In the next few weeks, Chicago designers will be in the spotlight during Chicago Fashion Week and Fashion Focus Chicago 2006, two citywide celebrations. But one Wicker Park boutique showcases Chicago talent all year 'round. Dedicated to promoting emerging design talent, Habit carries clothing and accessories designed by over 75 independent designers. Over half of them are local. "There is so much creative talent in Chicago," Habit owner Lindsey Boland explains. "I want Habit to provide an environment where local designers can not only sell their work but create a community."

Boland was inspired by the New York boutiques she sold to while starting her own clothing label, Superficial Inc. She has created an elegant space on Division where under-the-radar design talent connects with customers hungry for something different. Habit provides an eclectic mix from the fashion-forward designs of Nature vs. Future, to avant-garde sculptural pieces by Katrin Schnabl, to the whimsical playfulness of K Adorable. All the designers are exclusively sold in Chicago by Habit. The store also offers in-house alteration services and many designers will custom make pieces to customer's measurements.

"We only carry several pieces by any given designer" Boland explains, "so the selection is constantly changing, it is like a new store every time you come in!"

While the selection is constantly changing, right now Habit has elegant party dresses by Joynoelle, butter-soft leather handbags by Tulina New York and silk tops from Rebecca Taylor's former assistant Karen La Port's, Ouvrez La Porte. It is the launch pad for soon to be Chicago Fashion stars Abigail Glaum-Lathbury and Dolan Geiman. And the spot to pick up a piece from Chicago's rising design talent, and SAIC professor, Katrin Schnabl.

Since Boland opened the doors in August of 2005, Chicago has taken notice. Habit was named "Best New Store" by the Chicago Tribune, and recently took the title of "Best Boutique" by Chicago Magazine. Habit is also regularly featured on Lucky Magazine, Time Out and Daily Candy.

Habit is located at 1951 W. Division St., Chicago, IL 60622. For more information: call 773 342 0093 or visit www.habitchicago.com

Habit Fashion Shows featuring Sutana Clothing, Katrin Schnabl and Superficial at Lucid Artist Co-op's "Outside The Loop" event.

September 20 at 6:30 pm & 10:30 pm
Congress Theatre
2135 N. Milwaukee Ave
www.outsidetheloopchicago.net

Fashions featured on ABC 7

Sutana Clothing by Laddhavan Sutana
Hand-loomed trumpet dress with silk slip, $675 by special order
Cotton Blouse with Silk trim and detachable flowers and scarf, $160,
Wool Flannel circle skirt with silk trim, $320

From Katrin Schnabl
Black Wilhelmina Skirt, $280
Black Jinju long sleeve top $230
Anna Top $230
Tuck Pants $300
Flora Top $180

Superficial Inc. by Lindsey Boland
Flutter sleeve Dress $160

Makeup by Benefit
Hair by Art + Science
Shoes by City Soles