'Sweet and Fiery' Clothing Design Studio Opens in Lincoln Square

The hottest fashions might soon be coming out of Lincoln Square, where a new women's design studio recently opened up shop.  

Lola Minx—owned by Lincoln Square resident Stephanie Robuck and her friend Erika Walowski—creates and manufactures its own apparel. That apparel is then sold in boutiques nationwide.   

The name describes the two influences of the company's clothes. Robuck learned to sew from her grandmother, Dolores, whose name is Spanish is Lola.  

"So Lola is the sweet girl and Minx is the more fiery, sexier woman," Robuck said. "That's kind of our clothing—it's flirty, but not in-your-face sexy."

The two moved into their space at 2250 W. Foster Ave. on April 1, which was also Robuck's birthday. Before becoming Lola Minx, the space sat empty since after being built in 2010.  

But Lincoln Square residents will have to wait before donning fashions designed and manufactured in their neighborhood.

With their first line set to hit stores in August, Robuck said they're starting small. The Lola Minx website will have a boutique page where women can find stores carrying their fashions, but as of now, they're not selling out of their Lincoln Square location or on the website.  

Shoppers wanting Lola Minx designs will find styles that are both bohemian and edgy. Dresses range from $100 to $150 and are all made in the U.S.A.  

"With every single piece, we think 'Would either of us wear it?' and 'Is it realistic?'" Robuck said. "We want our girls to feel confident and proud of their bodies."

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Both Robuck and Walowski went to school for fashion merchandising and design. Their history—Robuck with production and sales and Walowski at BCBG—lent them the experience to branch out on their own.

Robuck credits their families in helping the business get started. Paul Robuck, Stephanie's grandfather, built the tables and desks where clothing is being measured and cut.  

"It helped us bring our passion even more into the business," she said.

Click on the gallery above to see the company's fashions.