Vika Brown

Vika Brown creates Classic Elegance with a Twist

 
“I always knew that I loved fashion and that I had to be involved in it somehow,” says Vika Brown, designer of Eclectica by Vika, one of Chicago’s most stylish new labels.   

Born in Ukraine, Vika had been creating dresses for her friends and relatives for years before moving to the United States in 1998. After experimenting with a variety of hand-knit creations and receiving tons of positive feedback, she started her own line, Eclectica by Vika in 2002, with the help of her husband and her best friend.  

The collections of elegant handmade knits began to attract the notice of local boutiques and shoppers, and eventually Vika hired seamstresses and moved into the world of retail clothing.

Her unique designs are funky and creative, but they retain a subtle elegance that’s made her work very popular. In September 2006, she received the Macy’s Distinction in Design Award for her couture-quality work.   

Vika’s main source of inspiration stems from the materials she works with. “When I see the fabrics, the designs just come to me,” she says.

Eclectica consists of basic colors like black, white, and other neutrals rendered in a variety of all-natural fabrics, such as linen, cotton, and silk charmeuse. She chooses not to use tons of bright colors or prints because she wants to create clothes “that are not for just one season” and will “complement what’s already in my customers’ closets.”     

So what does she have planned for the upcoming seasons?

“I basically wanted to design very classic pieces that are more modern and a little bit sexier for summer. It’s all very easy to wear – nothing restrictive, all natural fabrics, and flattering cuts,” says the designer. “I try to create pieces that are very beautiful, easy to wear, and flattering for all body types.”  

She lists Narciso Rodriguez and his sleek yet feminine clothes as one of her inspirations. Vika still likes to have plenty of fun with fashion, however. “If I had to dress a celebrity, I would pick Jessica Simpson, because you could do so much with her style.  She can be very classic or very funky.”                      

Chicagoans can find her line at Unique-So-Chique, Wolfbait & B-girls, Eskell, and Habit, or online at the Second City Style Store, and be sure to keep an eye on her website, www.vikabrown.com, for new locations and upcoming events.

 

 

Photos courtesy of Vika Brown.

SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – J. Zenn.
 
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ.  04/07.