Haute Fashion: Christina Karin

A couple weeks ago I wrote about Macy’s Fashion Incubator and the Designers in Residence Program. It’s a program that where the Chicago Fashion Incubator provides six up-and-coming Chicago-based designers with tools to help launch their careers. Last time I introduced the six current designers; today I am going to introduce you guys to one of last year’s designers, Christina Karin and her eponymous clothing line.

Christina Karin started her label after a long, but unrewarding stint on Wall Street (It seems like the best designers, chefs and creative types always come from some form of finance). Karin developed her strategy and vision after studying fashion and design at School of the Art Institute of Chicago (36 South Wabash). Christina Karin is a contemporary women’s wear line featuring edgy and sophisticated dresses and cocktail wear that they sell to boutiques nationwide. Karin’s commitment to Chicago is evident in everything she does; she recently remodeled a space in Bucktown that serves as her new showroom and workspace. Although her clothing is sold in boutiques nationwide, it’s all designed and manufactured right here in Chicago. She fully embodies the spirit of the Chicago Fashion Incubator’s purpose and the Chicago fashion scene is better because of it.

Christina Karin is currently finalizing her Fall/Winter 2013 capsule collection, which will showcase a line of dramatic and dressy shirts inspired by theater and drama of the stage. For all of those who are interested in Christina Karin (which you all should be) and want to get something from her now, the Spring/Summer collection is available now at www.christinakarin.com and it’s full of amazing dresses. Karin’s a shining example that the Designer-In-Residence program is definitely working.