Paris Fashion Week, the final and most important lap in “fashion month,” kicked off Wednesday, but most would argue that it really got started with Thursday morning’s Balenciaga show. And oh, things are just rushing forward. The draped silk looks, harem pants and bubbly skirts paired with pert shoulders, called to mind…
Our experts did the legwork—driving 446 miles and scouring the racks of dozens of shops—so you don’t have to. The payoff: a guide to the best vintage vendors in town
Spa On
Chicagoans in the northern suburbs have a new destination for spa services—Zaza Salon and Day Spa (1101 S. Milwaukee Ave., Suite 101, Vernon Hills; 847-793-1111, zazasalon.com). “We’re not here to only make you look good. We want to enhance your quality of life,” says co-owner Leo Zarovsky, who opened the salon with his mother, Helen, last December. Zaza features both basic services—such as haircuts and styling (from $55 for ladies, from $30 for men), manicures (starting at $20), pedicures (starting at $36), and spray tanning ($40 for full body)—as well as more intricate…
Moving On Up
Libertyville’s vintage couture–inspired boutique Kathryn Kerrigan (741 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville; 847-557-5067, kathrynkerrigan.com) recently relocated to a bigger space, increasing its selection of clothing, accessories, and—most importantly—shoes. “We’re a really fun, young brand that has both quality and comfort, ” says the designer, Kathryn Kerrigan. While her clothing and jewelry are made…
HAYDEN-HARNETT
Thursday night, I found myself in a room in the Hotel Chelsea with a bunch of models who were lounging around and indulging. Wait, it’s not what you think. The models were indulging in junk food—or at least pretending to—and showing off the latest collection by Hayden-Harnett. Probably not the same type of shenanigans that Bob Dylan and other rock stars practiced at this famed hotel…
Head-to-toe bright color is a curious trend right now. It intrigues the introvert in me. I couldn’t wear it, but I might want to be friends with the person who did.
Young, party-loving Chris Benz referenced the late ’70s in his warehouse presentation this season—specifically the clubgoers of New York during this era. It made me think of ’70s Sonia Rykiel, with her superhero matching ensembles of red, blue, and yellow. Rykiel said she…
ALTUZARRA
There’s a new designer coming to Chicago, and his sexy
ruched dresses have people heated up. Givenchy and Proenza Schouler
alumnus Joseph Altuzarra has the kind of stuff to draw power buyers
from Barneys, as well as Chicago boutique owner Ikram. First time out of the ring and he has an
order from such an influential force in the retail world. Promising. His incredibly…
The Budget Queen
Fashionistas looking for chic clothing, shoes, and accessories for less should visit Glen Ellyn’s newest and smallest boutique, The Queens’ Closet (480a N. Main St., Glen Ellyn; 630-545-0240, thequeensclosetonline.com). “Think Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdale’s coming together, making whoopee, and having a baby with a Target type price,” says the owner, Michael Perich. His 120-square-feet shop offers casual and dressy items for misses and…
Swirling paisley eyeshadow, highlighter-bright coats, Thierry Mugler sleeves—it was the 1980s en totale at Marc Jacobs last night.
What I admire about Marc Jacobs:
1. He’s one of the few designers who can thrive in a corporate environment and send out a totally creative show within those confines.
2. He’s a total extremist whose shows…
VENA CAVA
While countless New York women were just beginning to glam up for their Valentine’s Day dinner dates, a block of fashion operatives lined up in the West 20s, hoping to get a little love as well. What awaited us at the Vena Cava presentation was not kisses from a loved one but skinny models (somehow they always make me want to eat more chocolate), and many, many gay men…
