As we go into the 8th week of quarantine from the coronavirus, many of the designerâs in our network are working entirely from their homes, others are still on the front-lines producing mask around the clock for their family and local communities. We took the time to follow up with a few designers across the Chicago-land area to learn how their creative threads were flowing during this time.
Meet Designer Crystal Lajuene, founder and owner of â Looks and Styleâ Boutique whose brick and mortar business was directly impacted by the government shutdown, but her creative inspiration was in no shape or form contained. The same is true for legendary bridal/couture designer Bryan K Osburn whose recently celebrated 30 plus years in the fashion industry.
Bryan K Osburn
Crystal Lajuene
Both designers have used their time to wisely to create unique one of a kind garments despite the challenges of connecting with their clients face to face during this time.
When asked if the quarantine had effected their designing skills or creativity,
Crystal responded with âThe quarantine has definitely given me some extra time so Iâve been able to do a lot of things that I hadnât been able to do like get back started creating again because I hadnât made anything in a while.â Iâve been creating hats and accessories such as necklaces and earringsâ Bryan also expressed that he was taking advantage of the time to design 2-3 new patterns per week made from extra fabrics in his design studio.
When asked to describe the garments the designers have been creating,
Crystal was eager to share that her love of collages led to her to design new fashion pieces from previously designed denim fabric and leather. She expressed that â I donât like things to go to waste so I like to reuse/remix things that I already have. This is the perfect time to reuse items because itâs been hard to go to the stores and get different things that I need.â Bryan also took his new pattern pieces to add to his current collection of special occasion dresses, gowns, wedding gowns, evening coats and jackets. The name of his vibrant collection id entitledâ Chicago 1833â, which debuted in the fall of 2019.
While both designers are unique and their design aesthetics are on the opposite spectrum of the fashion wheel, both could agree that they havenât once considered nor relied on the current spring 2020 fashion trends and colors to create their masterpieces. As an Artist and trendsetter, Crystalâs designs have manifested from inspiration within and Bryanâs inspiration often stems from his memories and pleasures of indulging in Chicago Culture that is exploring the cityâs architecture, the bars and restaurants and he looks forward to this after the lock down is over.
On the other hand, Crystal loves reminisces on her love of travel and the ability to go outdoors and be near water, when she often drives her creativity and calmness.
While the COVID-19 has been challenging for both businesses, both designers have found a way to embrace their passion for designing fashion while being quarantine. Bryan looks forward to continuing to custom design high fashion/couture gowns for brides to be and dressing women for all types of social occasions. Crystal longs for the day she can get back to work both designing and selling fun, edgy fashion in her Caribbean boutique on the cityâs southside. I feel like Iâm here to make fashion more fashionable. To turn the everyday wear into something fun, something artistic, something unique, something creative and exclusive to the person wearing it. Nothing I make is the same as the other, maybe similar but definitely not the sameâ-Crystal Lajuene
Sincerely,
Melody Boykin
Here a few sneak peek images of Crystalâs and Bryans latest Fashions
Connect with them and shop their latest designs.
Contact Crystal Lejeune
332 East 75th Street
Looks and Style
LaJuene.bigcartel.com
Instagram
@iamcrystallajuene
@crystallajuene
Email
[email protected]
Bryan K Osburn
1833 Chicago Collection
Â
Additional Photos
Contact Bryan K Osburn
Bryan K Osburn Via FB & IG
https://bkocollection.carbonmade.com/
email: [email protected]