Workshop: A hub of sustainability in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood
Clothing designer Annie Novotny in November of 2009 moved her studio to Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. With her corner storefront, Novotny brought a vision. Not only would the space be where she makes her organic clothing line, Frei, it would also become a cooperative of sorts, offering items by other artists--soaps, jewelry and accessories.
New works by local artists are displayed in her windows each month and future plans are to use Workshop as a salon, a place where poetry readings, discussions and live music takes place.
Novotny, however, had a larger goal. Workshop, says this graduate and teacher at The School of The Art Institute of Chicago, was to turn her location into a hub of sustainability. She employs local women to do her sewing, runs neighborhood sewing classes, helps run the local farmer's market and grows herbs and vegetables both inside and outside of her shop.
Her business model, Novotny explains, is the way of the future for locally-based businesses. Her clothing line--available in 30 stores nationally, is sold at Workshop. The fabrics are mostly organic, made of natural dye and of Fair Trade.
Prices for items in Workshop range from $2 to $265. You don't have to be a shopper to enjoy welcoming space. A gifted designer, Novotny's window displays as well as the Workshop's interior should be enough of an incentive for a visit. What's more, Pilsen is one of Chicago's hottest new neighborhoods, brimming with art galleries and restaurants.
Once a hub for Eastern Europeans, Pilsen is a colorful blend of diverse cultures from Bohemian to Hispanic. Once at Workshop you can see the neighborhood on foot. But don't leave without taking a little bit of Workshop with you--whether it's with plans to return for sewing lessons, to buy a one-of-a-kind dress or even to see what Novotny has planned next for this innovative and welcoming shop.
HelloChicago Tip: Workshop is open Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and also by appointment.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
