Handmade Clothing Chicago
There's nothing like the look of handmade clothing. From the softest tee to the perfect handbag, handmade clothing has something for every occasion. From cozy sweatpants to the latest in designer handbags, handmade Chicago fashion is here for you. There are many places to shop for handmade clothing in Chicago, and you can find unique pieces in some of the city's finest boutiques. Here are some of my favorite spots.
Art Effects
When art is put to work on a piece of handmade clothing, it takes on an entirely different meaning. For example, handmade garments are not slick and immaculate like clothing sold in a retail store. Instead, they take on a personal and experiential meaning. Even if they are not as good as the clothes we buy in stores, we feel a connection to them. That's one of the reasons why many college students are now taking up the practice of hand-making.
The exhibition, Counter-Couture: Handmade Fashion in an American Counterculture, explores the relationship between handmade clothing and the art of expressing the self. This exhibition is supported by Michele and Marty Cohen and the Chairmen's Council, a leading Museum support group. Public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs are helping to make the exhibition possible. During the opening reception on April 5, the artists will discuss their work in an open discussion with the audience.
Squasht Boutique
You can find unique handmade clothing at Chicago designer label Squasht Boutique. Their line includes funky dresses, reversible hats, headbands, and tunics. There's something for everyone. And if you're in the market for a unique gift, look no further. These items are guaranteed to make heads turn! You'll want to shop their collection, as well as buy several pieces for yourself.
The shop specializes in women's retro-styled apparel from independent designers from around the country. Each item is handmade, unique, and made in the USA. Squasht is known for their signature reversible hats and vintage-modern style dresses. You can find an eclectic array of handmade accessories at Squasht, including earrings, hats, and bags. Squasht opened its brick-and-mortar store in the Ukrainian Village neighborhood of Chicago in 2010.
Union Handmade
The Stylish Boutique is a great place to shop for local designers. Here you will find women's clothing, jewelry, accessories and hats. If you're in the mood for something different, this is the place for you. The staff here is friendly and will help you find exactly what you're looking for. While you're there, browse through their selections of local designers. You're sure to find something you love.
The owners of the shop plan to open the doors on Aug. 21. They've been planning the store for one year, hiring designer Robert Rud. They hoped to create a sense of wonder and magic that is hard to replicate. The store is brimming with thoughtful designs and fine seasonal fabrics. The store also features a small selection of locally made jewelry and body products. Their mission is to support small, local businesses.
Malia Designs
Malia Designs is a Chicago-based company that manufactures ethical, handmade clothing from Cambodia. The company started in 2005, working with artisan partners in the region to provide sustainable income. The company has since donated more than $160,000 to human trafficking organizations. Its name is a reflection of the company's commitment to its mission and the plight of the people who make the clothing. The business is affordable and of a high quality, but there are many reasons to purchase its products.
Malia Designs uses recycled materials, including scraps from mass clothing companies. Their process uses every last thread, including scraps from the textile industry. This Chicago-based company's employees are motivated by their mission to reduce waste and promote ethical employment. The company's mission is to create clothing that meets the highest standards, and the quality of each piece remains high. Malia Designs' mission statement explains why it's the best way to support the community while still supporting independent artisans.
Ten Thousand Villages
If you're looking for unique and affordable handcrafted clothing, look no further than Ten Thousand Villages. This nonprofit organization supports artisans from developing countries through a variety of projects including selling their handmade clothes, jewelry, and more. These artisans work in clean, safe, and fair conditions to create quality products you can wear with pride. The Chicago location recently joined a similar store next door. Ten Thousand Villages' mission is to provide income opportunities for artisans worldwide. This organization partners with artisans from developing countries to create beautiful handcrafted goods for consumers in North America. Each purchase helps these artisans provide for their families through food, health care, and education.
The Chicago store is one of many Ten Thousand Villages outlets, which have opened across the country. The nonprofit began in 1946 in Ruth Edna Byler's trunk. She saw that many artisans had high-quality handmade items but lacked a market for them. By buying from her store, customers support artisans from over thirty developing countries and contribute to their income and education. By purchasing a piece of jewelry from her Chicago location, you are helping to make a difference and helping artisans from disadvantaged areas stay in their communities.
