Today we’d like to introduce you to Christine Atrach

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?

It all started at my father’s Couture Fashion House. I was embedded in the fashion scene at a very young age. Being surrounded by beautiful garments and colorful stones and beads, I started designing my own jewelry pieces at the age of 16 and selling them to friends at school. My hobby was put on hold when I moved to Europe to complete my Masters degree and continue teaching at college, far away from the fashion industry.

In 2003, I moved to Manhattan to complete my Ph.D but I decided to gain some experience being in NYC. I started working as a Fashion Buyer. Then, 4 years later, with the birth of my first son, I decided to pursue my passion in jewelry again and Avenue Chic saw the light. Avenue Chic is a virtual showroom for many designers from France, England, Brazil, Turkey, Lebanon, Venezuela… and of course the US. Many of our pieces are loved and worn by many celebrities from Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga… to name a few. With Avenue Chic, everyone can accessorise like a celebrity. And my love for jewelry reignited and I created my first line in 2013. In 2020, I co created a Ready-to-Wear line with my father.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

I would say, being a working mom is not easy. Kudos to those who can handle a career and a family.
It was very challenging as a young mom with no family around to take care of 2 kids while my husband worked late and build a business with so little time and limited resources.

Being a full time mom and a part time entrepreneur had its ups and downs. I was exhausted but determined to be a working mom. When the idea of creating Avenue Chic came to light, I spent a lot of time researching designers, attending shows when I could, following the trend to acquire the first designers to work with.

Building your own business could be very frustrating. Covid didn’t help at all. Selling jewelry was a challenge while everyone stayed at home in sweatpants.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

I started acquiring jewelry designers that are not sold in malls… I wanted something fresh, unique, different. Why accessorize like everyone else?
I always had my customers needs and tastes when picking a new designer or making new jewelry. As a stylist, my clients would send me a picture of their outfit and I would find the best accessories to match their look.
Beside my own collection, Avenue Chic carries more than 300 different styles from the minimalist to the statement pieces. There is something for everyone. All budgets and taste.

In addition to the jewelry, I co-created a Ready-to-Wear line with my father who has been in the Couture business for more than 68 years. It is a pleasure working with him. I pick the fabrics and the designs and my father and his team magically give life to our luxurious garments. Most of our fabric are designer fabrics from Valentino, Ungaro, Christian La Croix… The One Shoulder designs is our signature. Every piece is hand stitched, handmade with the best craftmanship and attention to detail.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

Bad Luck for me is a missed opportunity or a bad decision. Luck is being at the right place at the right time.

Pricing:

• Our Jewelry range from $25 to $700
• Our Ready-to -Wear from $120 to $1500

Contact Info:

• Website: www.christineatrach.com www.avenuechic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christine_atrach/- https://www.instagram.com/avenuechic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001258654804- https://www.facebook.com/christineatrachfashion