North Chattanooga-based Anna Victoria Designs, specializing in custom graphic prints, blends Southern charm with the versatility of Northeastern style.North Chattanooga-based Anna Victoria Design has been supplying boutiques across the Southeast with dresses in classic, preppy styles since spring of 2013. For her current collection, designer Anna Mittelstadt is using a lot of her own custom graphic prints, as well as adding more separates to the line.
“I really enjoy doing the prints, and they’re going over really well,” she said.
This summer, Mittelstadt is also branching out from apparel into home goods, bringing her graphic prints to pillows, dinner napkins and more.
The Hixson resident grew up in Connecticut and describes her style as a blend of the versatility of the Northeastern look with the femininity and charm of Southern style, which she fell in love with after moving to Chattanooga in high school.
Always interested in fashion, Mittelstadt earned a degree in apparel design from Auburn University, and she jumped at the opportunity to start her own line soon after graduating. She chose to locate her business in Chattanooga because she felt the entrepreneurial spirit here was growing, and continues to operate out of the Business Development Center in North Chattanooga.
Anna Victoria Designs has already made waves – garnering a mention in the national trade publication Women’s Wear Daily and winning the Atlanta Apparel Mart’s Buyer’s Choice award. She has also developed a strong social media following. Check her out on Instagram @annavictoriacollection.
Best-sellers include the easygoing, drop-waist Hudson dress, the Claire, a comfortable, everyday shirtdress, and the Addison maxi dress, which she said has been popular for several seasons.
“My clothes are for someone who likes to look polished but isn’t too fussy,” said Mittelstadt. “I want them to feel comfortable, but still feel like they look presentable.”
Most Anna Victoria pieces are under $200, and she said all are American-made from quality fabrics such as cotton and silk.
“It’s stuff you can wear over and over again,” Mittelstadt said, adding that the pieces are designed to transition easily from day to night.
Mittelstadt sells her line wholesale to about 20 retailers all over the Southeast, as well as through her website: annavictoriadesign.com. Locally, her pieces can be found at Merch Northshore.
“Eventually I’d like to expand up north, to where I’m from,” she said.
Merch Northshore is at 105 N. Market St., Suite 125.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.