Luxe File Chicago recently sat down with one of the country’s fiercest, most accolade-riddled fashion designers, Azeeza Khan of Atelier AZZA, whose signature embroidered dresses, blazers and hand-embellished collars have been spotted everywhere - from the "who-wore-it-best" lists to the catwalks of Bryant Park.
Here, the Chicago-born beauty gives us the hot scoop on haute handbags, Lollapalooza street-style and what to pair with a sexy summer pedi.
Designer
FABULOUS FLATS. For summer, a pair of glamorous and comfortable flats is essential. "I am obsessed with Valentino's jelly flats. They are perfect for the beach, and I'm always wearing t-strap sandals. Both pair perfectly with everything in my showroom." For Azeeza, open toe kicks are a warm weather must-have accessory. She keeps her feet and toes soft and pretty with weekly pedicures.
Valentino Rockstud
Leather T-Strap Flats
IN THE CLEAR. As the seasons change, so do Azeeza's handbags. From carry-all totes to chic clutches, she loves the cool, crisp look of lucite and the durability of modern acrylics: "I like their wash-and-go feel. They fit my jetsetter lifestyle."
Charlotte Olympia Pandora Clutch
DRESS TO KILL. "I'm obsessed with flirty summer dresses." For a day look, Azeeza wears one of her signature pieces (pictured below), as a tunic, and finished the look with leather leggings and jellies. For a night out, she recommends pairing it with ultra-luxe accessories such as an embellished belt or collar.
HAIR GAMES. Finally! The warm weather is here and that means letting hair play a little hooky and do what it likes. Whether she’s running to the gym or meeting friends for cocktails on an outdoor patio, Azeeza opts for simplicity: only a sleek, pretty braid will do.
Nicole Kidman exudes relaxed glamour
in a summery, side braid
"I need an off-the-neck look that is easy and chic. A braid is the perfect mix of sophistication and just plain fun." Beauty note: For smooth braids, pony tails or twist-ups, Azeeza recommends Shu Uemura’s White Tea Polishing Milk, a lightweight, leave-in gloss that protects hair and keeps it silky-soft.
Far-Out Festivals. Chicago’s eclectic music scene may offer up some of the nation’s top musical talent but, for the city’s style set, it may as well be Fashion Week. Fashionable urbanites flock to Grant Park, raging their wild sides in a cacophony of rebellious colors and edgy rockstar graphics.
Songbird Siren: Lana Del Rey
Azeeza loves this year’s Lollapalooza lineup, especially Lana Del Rey (pictured above), whose music and sensuous melodies define the AZZA aesthetic. When it comes to fest style, Azeeza’s tip is to up the wow factor and dress over the top, from baroque to classic bombshell.
Lolla-licious!
Last year, Azeeza followed her own advice and got her just rewards. “I wore some blinged-out pieces from my collection and was given VIP access because everyone thought I was a performer!"
Now that’s fierce.
Photo Credit:
Lollapalooza photo of Azeeza Khan courtesy of Emma Arnold for Trés Awesome
