Eskell can simply be described as the best of both worlds! This collection embodies the essence of vintage mixed with a modern flair. Upon meeting Kelly Whitesell and Elizabeth Del Castillo I was enthused to see their clothing line and shop represented them accurately. It was obvious every nook and cranny of this shop was indeed the product of Eskell.

Eskell is one of the most inviting boutiques on Milwaukee Ave. The picture window entices you with the warmth it exudes and the aesthetic arrangement of the display. When I entered Eskell the low lights and music enveloped me in its ambiance. I wasn’t sure if I should browse the racks of beckoning pieces, lay on the 20’s inspired chaise that oozed comfort, or do the actual interview that I came for.

How did you meet and consequently start Eskell?

Elizabeth- We both went to high school together. Kelly went away to school briefly and I went to Indiana University and started the design program. She came down and started once she heard more about the program. She was a year behind because it was only a year program. She finished that and went down to FIT and I continued on to minor in business and apparel merchandising.

Who were your biggest inspirations growing up?

Elizabeth- My mom. She has a good work ethic and great personal style. She loved antiquing and use to take me when I was younger. It was always fun for us girls to do that.

Kelly-My mom used to take me downtown for nice school coats and clothes. So, I guess I understood the meaning of clothing at a young age. She created a monster. But once I started thrifting I became the freak of the family.

How long did it take for the public to recognize your fashion creations?

Kelly- It’s still happening. When your actually doing it, it’s different from how people perceive it. It’s exciting for like 10 minutes, but you can’t sit and be like “oh we made it.” We’re never satisfied, were always asking ourselves what’s next. Our goal is to strive for more.

Where do you get the inspiration to create your unique designs?

Elizabeth- It changes from season to season. We start with a time period or inspiration. Then we get research from the library and catalogs. We just discovered a source in NY that has a library of vintage clothes and textiles. The resources are unbelievable! It will help us with our Spring 2009 line. This place is so great because after you purchase a swatch they rip it out and it’s like it never existed.

Kelly-Elizabeth was talking to herself in the corner! I was joking around like what intern had to do this, but they brought all these resources from an old textile mill. I’ve thought about this place everyday.

What do you think is the next big fashion trend?

Elizabeth- After going to the shows for Fall 08’, we say a lot of bright colors like yellows and royal blues. There weren’t a lot of sweaters, but we did see a lot of sweater dresses. The baby doll is moving away from being immature to sophisticated and Edwardian jackets are back.

Kelly- Speaking of trends, when we go different shows it makes me realize we are always ahead of our seasons. Our collections never have anything to do with what anyone else is doing. The crazy part is it’s by accident. We’re always a few steps ahead. We’re not designing futuristic freaky spaceship clothing, but our stuff is different. I always feel like it’s a good thing.

Elizabeth- It’s hard too because sometime it feel like people don’t get if the first time around. But it’s okay because we repeat and push it to the next season. It’s almost like we’re too far ahead. A good example is the high waist pants. Those were apart of our collection from over a year ago but they are just really getting big.

Kelly- When we went to the shows people kept trying to throw them at us and it’s like no, I’m over it, we’ve already did that.


Is there a clothing item or outfit that is timeless, no matter what fashion era?

Elizabeth- Dresses. I like to design dresses that can fit all body types. We want to show a woman curves because we are both curvy. We like to make a sexy dress that’s totally wearable for any occasion or any time period.

Kelly-I think a good pair of boots, good pair of jeans, and a good jacket or dress is the perfect foundation for clothes no matter what season or era.

Chicago isn’t exactly known as a “fashion” city. Was it hard as a break out artist?

Elizabeth- We’ve been successful because we acted like we came from NY and have NY representation. When people read our history they see we are from Chicago, but I don’t think they realize we are still living here designing. Buyers don’t read you bios, so all that matter is if you have a NY showroom and NY representation.

Kelly- It sets us apart because we do have ties to NY. NY is a too, you have to use it! People from Chicago are intimidated by it and I admit it can be scary. I lived there for 4 years, so we are using that to our advantage because I know how it works.

Elizabeth- It’s hard period being a fashion designer in Chicago because the resources are very limited. We were just at the garment district (In NY) and I was like if I could design here it would be so easy. It’s like how am I suppose to be a designer here. There are no production resources, or fabric resources. I think designers get so frustrated that they leave and design other places. Daley was talking about declaring this a fashion city but you can’t do without the resources.

Kelly- Some cities are just known for certain things. New York has all the fashion resources.

Can you give us the names of some of the stars that have worn your clothing?

Elizabeth- Ashlee Simpson, Maria Menuous, and Alannis Morsette .

Do you offer your clothes in other boutiques or major store chains?

Kelly- A lot of boutiques in NY and La carry our line. Barney’s just brought our collection. When we finally ship it I’ll be able to sleep that night. Fred Siegel on Melrose will carry our fall collection. Since we our in a bigger and better showroom things will hopefully continue to change. Bloomingdale is currently looking at our line.

What are some of the initial crucial steps for up and coming designers?

Kelly- Learn how the world works. Go to NY, if only for a month, you have to use NY. And ask questions. We have learned so much just by asking. And there are reps in Chicago that rep for NY so take advantage.

Elizabeth-You also have to use the resources here, which we ourselves don’t use sometimes. Use the Stitches program. Stephanie is really nice and helpful with things like websites, business plans, etc.

To view their collections head over to www.eskell.com or their Myspace page http://www.myspace.com/eskellchicago

A Few Resources From Eskell

The Stitches Program

Stephanie Niedospial
Fashion Program Manager for Chicago Entrepreneurial
stephanie@chicagolandec.org
(312) 494-6772
http://www.chicagolandec.org/content/cec-at-work/stitches-fashion-program.asp


Apparel Industry Board, Inc.
www.aibi.com