Interview: Chris Habana
So, one of the perks of being a fashion blogger (as opposed to a fashion journalist), I get to assault you with my opinions and any other little thought that flies through my brain.
Today, one of my completely biased opinions I will be sharing with you is about my favorite accessories designer EVER – Chris Habana.
I don’t even remember how I discovered Chris’s jewelry and accessories line, CHRISHABANA. It was certainly before I jumped on this fashion journey, probably back when I was in a work-induced coma.
I fell further in love when I attended a GenArt sample sale, during which I was broker than a joke and couldn’t buy anything (water, water everywhere…).
Because I love CHRISHABANA so much, I naturally had to write about it! 
Chris graciously took some time recently to answer some interview questions so I could introduce him and his work to all of you! Be sure to check out his website.
What have you done so far today?
Woke up, showered, threw some stuff in a bag and headed out to Fire Island…I’m on the beach in Cherry Grove writing this at the moment.
How did you get started in designing accessories?
I’ve always been doing something in fashion since I could remember. When I moved to New York in 2000, I started to make recycled jewelry and fur pieces. Seven [New York] picked up a few styles and it went from there. I was in and out of doing jewelry, also designing clothing for a bit, but it wasn’t till 2007 that I got more official and pursued CHRISHABANA as a real business.
What do you love about accessories?
I love that accessories and jewelry have a transformative effect. I’m also into the “more is more” philosophy so I feel naked when I don’t have at least 2 necklaces on and a wrist full of cuffs.
What inspires your designs?
My accessories and jewelry are heavily inspired by growing up in the late 80′s and early 90′s in San Francisco. I love the mix of POP elements from that time such as Madonna and Moschino with harder elements from underground movements such as punk, goth and house.
Do you do anything special while you work?
Nothing out of the ordinary, really. I sketch a lot, and have an inspiration board with tears that help shape my collections. When I take breaks, I walk around my neighborhood in the East Village to recharge and get re-inspired.
Do you have a favorite piece you’ve designed? If so, which?
Some of my signature pieces are actually my favorite to wear, such as the Cross Cuff and the Cage Cross Necklace, but I am also really into the Bed Of Nails Group from my FW2010.
Many pieces from your collections seem to reference a sort of gothic-glamour feel. Is this intentional?
Not really intentional to make it glamorous, but more intentional to make it POP. I want to translate goth and fetish into something that is more POP. In doing so, the results can sometimes be glamorous. That was the case when I designed the Bed of Nails group from FW2010. I created different forms and drove nails into them. When cast in my gunmetal and copper finishes, the nail heads look like organic, shimmering paillettes, till of course you get closer and realize they’re pretty bad-ass pieces.
What are your wardrobe staples right now?
I have a pair of 10-year old combat boots that I wear almost everyday, even in a heat wave. And of course, my jewelry.
What are your fashion pet peeves?
I hate when people say “dress it up, or dress it down with jeans.”
Where are you from originally?
Originally from the Philippines.
Why did you choose to live in New York?
Well, I always fantasized about New York and the art scene in the 80′s such as [Jean-Michel] Basquiat and Keith Haring. But I didn’t choose to move here. My boyfriend at the time got a transfer from his job to move to New York so I moved with him. I guess in a way, New York chose me.
If you could live anywhere but New York, where would it be and why?
Don’t make me a traitor to my home.
What’s your favorite thing about New York fashion?
That it’s always changing.
Where are your favorite places to shop in New York?
I wear and customize a lot of vintage, so I love going to flea markets, 10 Ft. Single and About Glamour. I’ve started to wear “newer” clothing from boutiques like Oak, so I guess I’m growing up…a little.
What’s your idea of a perfect New York night?
Having friends over to drinks and dress-up, then out to eat ramen at Rai-Rai Ken, then dancing, dancing, dancing.
You’ve had a lot of great success so far with CHRISHABANA. Where do you see yourself with your work in five years?
I try not to think about the future too much. I want to keep things as organic as possible. At this point, I’ve gotten a good amount of attention and support from press and shops and I am so thankful for that and hope it continues to grow.
Photos courtesy of MAO PR.
