Creating Tomorrow: clean beauty, tweakment, or both?
Nov 25, 2019 | By Carla Buzasi
Each year at WGSN, we identify emerging cities on our radar through our Style Cities report.
For 2016, we dubbed Chicago as the fashion capital of the Midwest. While the main shopping area is located in and around Michigan Avenue, we were most drawn to the independent boutique scene in smaller, emerging neighbourhoods Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square and Pilsen.
Here’s a round up of the best boutiques in Chicago:
2008 North Damen Avenue / 1 872 802 4408
Neighbourhood: Bucktown
Curated by owner Catherine Becker, this concept shop focuses on Nordic and Japanese fashion and interior goods by emerging artists and designers.
2108 North Damen Avenue / 1 773 278 6150
Neighbourhood: Bucktown
Robin Richman stocks minimalist, one of a kind pieces by under the radar designers from all over the world.
2627 North Kedzie Avenue / 1 312 852 6012
Neighbourhood: Logan Square
While this high-end menswear and lifestyle shop sells well-known labels including Common Projects, Engineered Garments and Stone Island, it still has a unique point of view.
1152 West 18th Street
Neighbourhood: Pilsen
Stop into Verdant Matter for some affordable plants as well as delightful ceramics, home goods and accessories.
1346 West 18th Street / 1 312 929 2441
Neighbourhood: Pilsen
Very Best Vintage quite literally carries some of Chicago’s very best vintage; here you will find women’s apparel, footwear and accessories dating back to the 1950s up to the 1990s.
1323 N Milwaukee Avenue / 1 773 252 6996
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
Kokorokoko’s store space is as colourful as the trend-centric and iconic ‘80s and ‘90s merchandise it carries.
1913 West Division Street / 1 773 395 2351
Neighourhood: Wicker Park
Penelope’s is Chicago’s go-to boutique for small European brands. Owned by a husband and wife duo, the store stocks quality garments with a focus on comfortable yet elevated style.
STASH
1250 N Milwaukee Avenue / 1 773 227 7743
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
Shop an elevated selection of sneakers including limited edition exclusives.
1528 N Milwaukee Avenue / 1 773 276 7002
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
This hip boutique carries contemporary brands as well as vintage clothing ideal for young men and juniors. Be sure to catch the sale room on the second floor and the vintage merchandise in the basement.
1911 West Division Street / 1 773 227 3180
Neighbourhood: Wicker Park
Here you will find rare, modern home goods and gifts you won’t find at larger commercial stores.
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