The Big City Blog: Fashion is on the way with these five retailers ready to call Chicago home for the first time
By Maddy Bourque
Les Néréides
108 N. State (Block 37) in the Loop
www.LesNereides.com
French jewelry retailer Les Néréides is scheduled to open its first-ever U.S. location in Chicago’s popular Block 37 retail space. The international brand specializes in nature-themed luxury costume jewelry, featuring handmade pieces such as earrings, brooches, charms, necklaces and rings. Les Néréides also has a line of signature fragrances that will be carried in the Chicago store.
Warby Parker
851 W. Armitage in Wicker Park
www.WarbyParker.com
Warby Parker, the trendy, New York-based eyewear store, is set to open its first Chicago boutique on Lincoln Park’s Armitage Avenue. In addition to glasses, the frame studio embraces all things visual, playing host to vintage cameras, a video jukebox and a VHS collection. The boutique also accommodates an in-store photo studio where visitors can take complimentary portraits with their new frames.
Rent the Runway
710 N. Wabash in River North
www.RentTheRunway.com
Previously an online-only retail service, Rent the Runway is bringing rentable designer fashion to Chicago. The store offers high-end women’s clothing and accessories, which can be borrowed and returned to the store for a fraction of their retail price. The Chicago location will also staff individual stylists, available for customers by appointment.
Uniqlo
830 N. Michigan on the Magnificent Mile
www.Uniqlo.com
Uniqlo is a Japanese casualwear retailer with plans to open a multi-level Michigan Avenue location during the fall of 2015. This will be the brand’s first introduction to the Midwest and will serve as the company’s second-largest store in the U.S. Known for its variety of high-tech, weather-oriented apparel, Uniqlo aims to provide clothing for Chicago’s most brutal winters and sweat-inducing summers.
Christian Dior
935 N. Rush in the Gold Coast
www.Dior.com
Adding to the collection of luxury designers currently situated in Chicago’s Gold Coast shopping district, the boutique will occupy the two-floor space that is currently Urban Outfitters on the corner of Rush and Walton. The already high-end shopping destination will only receive a boost in fashion credibility with the long-awaited addition of Christian Dior.