PHOTO BRIAN CAREY
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30 THIRTY UNDER THIRTY
See who made our annual list of rising stars—the young, beautiful and accomplished entrepreneurs who dazzle Chicago!
INTERVIEWED BY IYA BAKARE + EMILY LUFT
1 AGGA B. (AGGA RAYA)
Designer, AGGA B. + Fashion Stylist + Curator aggab.com
Age 27
+Why did you decide to become a fashion designer? My love for creating clothing was always a big part of my life. I’ve been raised in a family who designs and manufactures. I’ve never wanted anything else; this is my life. +What do you love about the Chicago fashion scene? My studio. +Who is your favorite fashion designer? Gareth Pugh because I think he is very charming.
14 ME: IN FOCUS SEPTEMBER
2 JESS AUDEY
Owner + Designer, Audey audey.com
Age 27
+What are the best things about working in the fashion industry? I always have something to wear and I make my own hours. I’m always working, but it doesn’t feel like work! +Who are your favorite designers? Anna Hovet, Horacio Nieto, Kate Boggiano and Lara Miller are amazing and talented Chicago designers. I feel so lucky I can call them my friends. +What direction would you like to take your work in the future? I would like to incorporate more custom aspects in my line. For example, for spring 2011, we are working on custom prints. The classic fit and silhouettes will not change; these will always be a staple. 3 LINDSAY AVNER Founder + Executive Director, Bright Pink bebrightpink.org
Age 27
+What was your inspiration for establishing your national non-profit organization? My mother battled both breast and ovarian cancer when I was only 12. She lost both her grandmother and great-grandmother to breast cancer before I was born. In June 2005, I tested positive for a mutation on the BRCA1 gene, indicating I had an 87 percent lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and 54 percent of developing ovarian cancer. I realized that there was a lack of resources for high risk women like myself at high risk. +Why did you leave your previous job to run Bright Pink full-time? A year and a half after starting the organization, it was clear Bright Pink was filling a critical gap and it would require me to leave and devote my efforts to the cause full-time. I love my staff and when I wake up, my job is to make sure young women nationwide don’t develop breast/ovarian cancer, or if they do, that it is caught at a treatable, non life-threatening stage. It doesn’t get much better than that! +In what capacity does your organization serve to increase awareness among young women?
I founded Bright Pink in January 2007 to create the community I wish I had during my experience—one that provided education, support and a sense of community. The idea behind ‘Being Bright Pink’ is all about being bright, being smart, being positive and being in control of your breast and ovarian health. Bright Pink arms young women with knowledge, options and a great attitude and offers companionship and empathy during their journey.
4 ELISE BERGMAN Clothing Designer elisebergman.com
Age 26
+Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself breaking away from my desk job and becoming established in a position that will utilize these new passions I have formed. If I’m not hosting something, which would be the ultimate goal, I hope that I will at least be involved in some sort with broadcasting, public speaking, or the like.
6 ANASTASIA CHATZKA Owner + Creative Director anastasiachatzka.com
Age 27
+What skills have helped you keep
design? I love being creative and have sewn since I was young. Fashion is such a part of our daily lives and making my own clothing and accessories has always been a way for me to do something that is simultaneously practical and artistic. Pursuing a job in fashion seemed like a natural career choice for me. +Which celebrity would you love to dress? Cate Blanchett. She is such a beauty and has a unique style and confidence. +How would you describe the Chicago fashion industry? There is such a great community of designers. I have met so many talented people in the field that are inspiring and extremely supportive.
afloat in the fashion industry? Learning that I must mesh couture with everyday garments and fantasy with reality. I have to be in tune with what a woman wants and what her fantasy is without her losing the ability to identify with a piece to be able to work it into her wardrobe and make it her own. +Where do you draw your inspiration? From the current cultural environment and the past cultural impact of music and art. A woman confident in herself is also very inspiring. +What is it like working as a fashionista in Chicago? Few other cities would allow me the ability to have such a large design studio and my own boutique just around the corner. One of my favorite things is being able to work oneon-one with customers in the richlycultured Wicker Park neighborhood.
5 ASHLEY BRADARICH Art Director
7 CONCETTA CIPRIANO Fashion Designer
+What inspired you to go into fashion
missillinoisusa2010.blogspot.com ashleybradarich.com
Age 24
+How do you balance your professional life as an art director with your responsibilities as Miss Illinois USA? As busy as I’ve been this year, it has been fun attending events as Miss Illinois USA because most of them are rare opportunities I may not have had the chance to be a part of otherwise. +What charities are the dearest to you? One of my favorites is Save Abandoned Babies. I was lucky to get involved with them when they were looking to revamp their website and needed a designer.
cettinadesigns.com
Age 25
+What’s the best advice you’ve received in your profession? Stand strong for what it is you believe in. This advice is especially important when you have your own business. Sometimes it’s easy to let others’ opinions, suggestions, praise or criticism get in the way of where you really see your business heading. +Why did you decide to pursue fashion designing as a career? I’ve always loved to sew and draw. Fashion design is an exciting career because it’s always changing and