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Chris Habana of Chrishabana

Age: 33
Backstory: “I design for women who are into color, don’t care about seasons and have a subversive side—basically, a girl version of me,” says Habana, who has been transforming monkey skulls, human hair and models of Siamese twins into gothic jewelry for five years. His rebellious streak and dark aesthetic stem from his love of pop culture as a boy in the Philippines—he once created armor for his brother’s Dungeons & Dragons characters. Today, Habana is a multitasking DIYer who illustrates, photographs, and designs jewelry and clothing. But all of his creative endeavors work synergistically: The “proud dropout” of San Francisco’s Academy of Art College eventually used his drawings as prints for his futuristic, sporty dresses (think abstract blood splatters and screaming blonds), and his three-dimensional collages morphed into edgy but beautiful necklaces adorned with cast-metal bones.
Where it’s at: BBlessing, Catbird and TG-170

Photo: Alexander Milligan

Fall 2007 inspirations

“I was inspired by horror and sci-fi films for the clothing and jewelry. The bat pieces, teeth and human hair straps fit well within that theme. Also, my collection is heavy with influences of whoever I was dating while I was developing it, so my boyfriends-slash-lovers in New York the season before influenced me heavily. You know who you are.”

Ana Beatriz of Lerario Beatriz

Age: 30
Backstory: Even though she grew up in Brazil, NYC served as a second home for this fashion-insider-turned-designer: “My mom had a store, and we would come to New York every season to do the buying,” says Beatriz. “I’ve always been in love with the city and would always say that one day I’d move here.” True to her words, Beatriz left Latin America to attend Parsons before being tapped to design for Marc Jacobs, Tsesay and Calypso. She started her own showroom last year and subsequently launched a breezily glam womenswear line of relatively frill-free pieces embellished with handmade touches like buttons and embroidery. Her autumnal looks usher in prints, Japanese velvet and moleskin, as well as more intricate trimmings like embroidered crochet.
Where it’s at: Mick Margo

Photo: Alexander Milligan

Fall 2007 inspirations

“I’m constantly inspired by the creative energy in New York City. It’s the mix of cultures, freedom of styles and the feeling of always being surrounded by talented and creative people. I was also inspired by Erté, an illustrator from the ’20s.”