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…
Five local jewelers whose work makes a statement
Go ahead: Wear your heart on your sleeve. Or, better yet, around your neck. Right now, it’s all about bling you believe in.
As the fashion citizens of the world unite this week at the tents of Bryant Park for the New York collections, there’s much curiosity this season about how budget cuts will affect designers’ creations. Fashion insiders say there will be a resetting of the dial—that the weaker talents will be sifted away. As for consumer consciousness, habits are not likely to change so quickly. People will still covet that Miu Miu shoe that will change their lives, making it perfect if even for a few moments…
I went over to Alessi’s Tree Studios branch to see if the annual sale is worth checking out (it is and you should—there’s a nice selection of shiny happy silly on sale for up to 75% off through February). I also got a kick out of these (not reduced) miniature versions of iconic Alessi tableware designs, sort of along the lines of the mini Vitra chairs that show up in museum shops and high-end home boutiques. All the 1980s superstars are represented in the collection, including the Michael Graves shrieking bird teapot (this version about 3” in stature, $45), Philippe Starck’s Juicy citrus squeezer ($45) and that Anna G. chrome-plated corkscrew (4” tall, $32)—just the ticket if you’re trying to cut back on your drinking.
Laced Up, Ready to Go
A new addition to the suburbs, Romantika Boutique (711 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling; 847-520-7277, romantika-lingerie.com) may be the perfect destination for Valentine’s Day gifts this year. Romantika carries gifts and accessories, including chocolate shower bars ($8), books on seduction and romance ($5.95 and up), a variety of scented candles ($32), and massage oils…
Kiss Errands Goodbye
Busy Chicagoans can now actually spend their weekends relaxing and their lunch breaks eating with the help of Endeavor Concierge (1732 N. Mohawk St., Suite C and 3200 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 2504; 312-268-0008, endeavorconcierge.com), a new—and relatively cheap—personal assistance business that tackles clients’ time-consuming or stress-filled errands. “We give the gift of time,” says Carolyn Schnuck, co-creator of Endeavor. Her partner, Emily Lytle, adds, “People would prefer to…
