Chicago’s Ever-Expanding Retail Scene

by Natasha Wolff | April 17, 2013 12:00 am

In October, Emporio Armani[1] (25 E. Oak St., pictured left) opened, featuring a sweeping staircase and two stories of black and silvery space to house the big brand’s diffusion line for men and women. 

Lanvin[2] (116 E. Oak St.) swung its doors open, after nearly a year of anticipation.

The Zaharoff[3] (110 E. Oak St. ) flagship comes with a large-scale mural—and tailored suits, ties and shirts for the classic gentleman—while Gallery Aesthete[4] (46 E. Oak St., pictured right) brings men an avant-garde space filled with Comme des Garçons, Rick Owens and Ann Demeulemeester.

One block south on Walton, here’s hoping the third time’s the charm for Sofia[5] (100 E. Walton St.), the vintage, indie, local—and beloved—designer’s women’s shop that has once again resettled.

Brit-based Eskandar[6] (70 E. Walton St., pictured left) ushered in luxe and clean-lined looks with its new store, as well as a varied selection of housewares and accessories.

Just north of Oak on North Rush, an impressive two-level Starbucks—there’s booze at the bar upstairs—has emerged next to Prada, which completes the makeover that includes Jellyfish, Ted Baker London and Scoop NYC.

PVC and patent tote, $1,495, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN, 312-337-8200.

We’re looking forward to seeing what spring and summer look like from Marmot[7], which opened just in time to buffer Chicagoans against biting winds with its down-filled outerwear (932 Rush St.).

Christian Louboutin[8] (58 E. Oak St.) finally arrived at the former home of the Esquire Theater, promising to transform the Windy City into the Red-Soled City. 

And other retail prospects abound: Saint Laurent[9] is said to be coming to the Waldorf Astoria with new neighbor Brioni[10], and Tom Ford[11] will take up space in the Esquire. The Gold Coast has become more gilded than ever.

Source URL: https://dujour.com/cities/chicago/chicago-new-stores-shopping-gold-coast/