Vanessa Barboni Hallik lives a life that is sustainably driven. Her path was indirect—a career that began in finance unexpectedly led her to fashion. Since then, she has strived to model change for good within the industry. Just weeks before the 2020 lockdown, Barboni Hallik launched Another Tomorrow, a values-based, ethically focused fashion brand that pairs luxury with accountability. Since then, demand for the brand’s sustainable wardrobe essentials has grown exponentially. Sensual, strong, and proportioned to flatter many forms, Another Tomorrow’s masterfully tailored separates prove that a responsible approach can be paired with design and quality. Barboni Hallik sits down with Another Tomorrow Advisory Board Member and brand expert Amy Wexler to share the philosophy behind Another Tomorrow and the inspiration behind an enduring love of Chicago.

Who is the Another Tomorrow woman?

The Another Tomorrow woman is globally conscious, curious, lives fully—professionally and personally—and appreciates timeless quality she can make her own.

You were born and raised in the Midwest. How does your upbringing continue to influence you?

The way I grew up in the Midwest was somewhat unique. I was born and initially raised in Grinnell, Iowa, where my dad was a professor and my mother an artist. It was an incredible intersection of ideas and culture in that tiny town. Chicago was my city and instilled such a love of art and architecture in me. My mom grew up in the suburbs, and her favorite aunt was an actress.

Besides family, what continues to draw you to Chicago?

As a classically trained dancer, I adore seeing productions at the Harris Theater. I attended Akram Khan’s production of Giselle in 2019 and returned recently for a performance of Ragamala Dance Company’s Fires of Varanasi: Dance of the Eternal Pilgrim. It is a very special community to which I was introduced by Liza Yntema a few years ago.

How has your brand evolved since launching in 2020, and where is it headed in 2022?

The response to Another Tomorrow has been tremendous. Clients value the idea of modern, timeless luxury that honors the Earth. We source only environmentally certified, ethical, and traceable materials and maintain direct relationships with regenerative farms. For transparency and future authentication, every item we produce includes a digital identity in the care label, so customers can learn how their garments evolved from farm to fabric to atelier. I am proud that we were the first in the luxury fashion segment to earn both Climate Neutral and B Corp certifications and participate in 1% for the Planet.

You will be in town during EXPO CHICAGO, what are your plans?

We will be hosting a dinner alongside one of our Advisory Board members, Isolde Brielmaier, within the arts community. And in the meantime, we will be honoring Liza Yntema, President and Founder of the Dance Data Project®, as part of our ongoing Women For Tomorrow series that profiles trailblazers, change-makers, and women of influence.

What is your favorite look from your Spring collection?

Hands down our black and white houndstooth coat. I am lucky to have had an early sample and wear it nearly year-round.

What is your best advice for living more sustainably?

We can only act according to our level of awareness, so I suggest staying curious and asking questions of the brands you buy, specifically how and where materials were sourced and whether those producing what we purchase were paid a living wage.

For more information, visit anothertomorrow.co.