Notre (Chicago)
Source: Notre
Boutique Overview
Notre, located in Chicago, Illinois, is a fashion retailer that also carries home decor that was founded in 2014 and not only focuses on carrying luxury fashion brands, but also on giving back to the community. In addition to high-end brands, Notre has also collaborated with sneaker brands such as Nike & Vans. The brand’s name, Notre, translates to “our” in French reflecting the founders’ ideals of running the business in their own way. Thus, the brick-and-mortar boutique is also designed to have a multitude of purposes besides sales, like being a hang-out spot, art piece, and more importantly to bring social change. Notre is notable for its many fundraisers and charity events that it holds, the most recent example being a toy drive for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago.
In order: MJ Jaworowski, AJ Nordstrom, José Villanueva, Charlie Nordstrom courtesy of Chicago Tribune
Owner Bio
Notre was founded by José Villanueva & MJ Jaworowski, AJ, and later on Charlie Nordstrom in 2014. The idea of opening up Notre was during the owner's time working at the clothing store, Haberdash, in which the founders bonded over shared business ideals. Yet, the plan of creating Notre was not finalized until their experience at another garment retailer, The Denim Bar, where realizing how easy sales were when purchasing quality products and using Internet marketing. In turn, the team opened up the first Notre location in Andersonville, Georgia in 2014.
As previously mentioned before, the brand has a history of collaborating with sneaker brands. This is due to the founders’ history with sneakers in their lives. For example, Jaworowski was so invested in the “Nike SB Mork & Mindys” after viewing them on another boy when he was young at a hockey game that he went down a rabbit hole where he ended up on blogs discussing sneakers. Which, he would try to surround himself with sneaker culture, streetwear, and generally mens’ fashion throughout his life.
Inside Look
“We wanted to be a great retailer and brand partner and connect with community. Whether it’s helping out talented artists or helping bring awareness in things we believe in. And if that means hanging on the stramp, hey, that’s cool.”
Brand Highlights
Notre x Vans Vault Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Simple, yet effective. This long sleeve subtly reflects Notre's ethical values, locally sourced coffee & ceramics, while still being sleek.
Notre Chuck 70 Hi Sneaker
The Notre X Converse collaboration represents the former’s brand, illustrating distinctiveness and home decor in the shoes’ patchwork design.
Notre X Nike Dunk High Collection 2021
One of many collaborations with the Nike brand, these combined efforts are an ode to workwear and Notre’s founders’ fathers.
Notre Candle 04
The Notre candle was released to celebrate cafe culture & the scents will surely ensure so through promoting thinking and togetherness.
Notre and Vault by Vans' Old Skool LX Collaboration
For this collaboration, the founders wanted to highlight unity through the brands’ handshake motif.
Notre x Pickard China Set
A classy tea set sharing the theme of unity with other Notre collaborations, this China set is a must need.
La Metropolitana Wall Mirror in Ash
Part of the Notre x La Metropolitana collaboration line, this handmade mirror will leave your home looking more timeless.
Sources: Brain, Eric. “Notre and Vault by Vans’ Old Skool LX Shakes on Promoting Togetherness.” Hypebeast, 23 Oct. 2020, hypebeast.com/2020/10/notre-vault-by-vans-og-old-skool-lx-collaboration-off-white-black-blue-red-capsule. Dunne, Brendan. “Notre and Nike’s Dunk, a Different Kind of Dad Shoe.” Complex, 20 Jan. 2021, www.complex.com/sneakers/2021/01/notre-nike-dunk-high-collaboration-interview.LaMorte, Chris. “Where’s All the Stuff? Step inside Notre, the West Loop Shop That’s Reinventing How You Shop for Menswear.” Chicago Tribune, 2 July 2019, www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/fashion/ct-life-0707-notre-shop-west-loop-20190702-2lvxi4b75ncb3dxa7vwmcuekye-story.html.“The Midwest Is Waiting for You: Notre and Premier Talk Shop.” Notre, 16 Sept. 2020, www.notre-shop.com/blogs/lifestyle/the-midwest-is-waiting-for-you. 