Chicago
Design by Grace Han
The Windy City is known for many things: the prominent art museums, the bold architecture, and the sparkling skyline. Chicago also showcases a major fashion scene, with diverse shopping neighborhoods and plenty of up-and-coming designers. There is a certain vibrancy, practicality, and culture to the clothing that comes from this city, making it incredibly distinctive and special. One Chicago native, Sheila Rashid, blends together workwear and streetwear to make pieces that have been worn by the likes of Chance the Rapper, intertwining the music and fashion worlds with a common thread: local pride. That pride is obvious in many local creators and venues across the city. Whether you are in the market for spectacular vintage pieces, or a cutting edge statement piece, this city has it all. We are highlighting a wide range of locations to check out, from innovative concept galleries to designer thrift stores.
Azeeza
This luxury clothing brand has been worn by the likes of Beyoncé, Barbra Streisand, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Designer Azeeza is a Chicago local, and has been featured in countless magazines such as Elle, Paper Magazine, and Glamour. Her collections are known for their hand-embroidery, bold colors, and flowing silhouettes. Azeeza’s iconic flagship store is located on the Magnificent Mile, and is definitely worth a stop on your trip.
Address: 900 North Michigan Avenue, Fl. 5, Chicago, IL, 60611
Contact: info@azeeza.us
Hours: Mon-Sat : 10am-7pm, Sun: 12pm-6pm
Price Range: $$$$
Website: azeeza.us
Floradora
Since their opening in 2007, Floradora has committed to selecting small-batch garments and accessories from North America and around the world. This boutique wanted to create a unique shopping environment, focusing on women’s contemporary fashion from independent makers. Their shop in downtown Chicago, started by Michael Blossom in the Monadnock Building, is driven to help their customers feel their best by looking their best!
Address: 330 S. Dearborn Street, Chicago, IL, 60604
Phone Number: (312)212-8860
Hours: Mon-Fri : 11am-5:30pm
Price Range: $$$
Website: floradora.com
Ikram
Ikram Goldman cultivated a multi-use space that features both an art gallery and a café, along with the eponyomous boutique, Ikram. She desired to present the best in women’s fashion and accessories, and has dome so in this sprawling environment. The designers who are present in her shop rotate with seasons or collections, including Rodarte, Marni, and Balenciaga. This high-end locale absolutely deserves to be experienced during your stay in Chicago.
Address: 15 East Huron Street, Chicago, IL, 60611
Phone Number: (312)587-1000
Hours: Mon-Sat : 10am-6pm
Price Range: $$$
Website: ikram.com
Space 519
This concept store sources not only women’s apparel, but also green apothecary, home goods, and gifts. SPACE 519’s restaurant, entitled The Lunchroom, serves breakfast, brunch, and lunch, with an all-day café alongside it. The owners, Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel, wanted to encapsulate a European-style shopping experience, and source the goods that populate their store based own their own travel and life experiences. Lawson and Wetzel’s personal connection to their shop makes SPACE 519 a must-see in Chicago.
Address: 200 E Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone Number: (312)751-1519
Hours: Mon-Sat : 9am-6pm, Sun: 10pm-5pm
Price Range: $$$
Website: space519.com
Kokorokoko
Think vintage finds combined with undiscovered local designers, and you have Kokorokoko! This trendy Wicker Park shop has accessories, full on outfits, and baubles all curated by the two lovely owners.
Address: 1323 N Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622
Phone Number: (773)252-6996
Hours: Fri/Sat : 12pm-7pm, Thurs/Sun/Mon: 12pm-6pm
Price Range: $$
Website: kokorokokovintage.com
Lost Girls Vintage
Lost Girls Vintage is the epitome of feminine, 20th century beauty. The best friend duo slash owners curate high quality, unique vintage pieces in order to create a whimsical world all of their own. They started with a camper van that touted their wares around the country, but now they have two brick-and-mortar locations that you can visit in both Logan Square and West Town!
Address: 2710 North Sawyer Ave Chicago, IL 60647 & 1947 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60622
E-mail: holler@lostgirlsvintage.com
Hours: Mon-Fri : 12pm-7pm, Sat-Sun: 12pm-6pm
Price Range: $$
Website: lostgirlschicago.com