10 Chicago Shops You Don’t Want to Miss
Chicagoans don't shy away from innovation when it comes to design, but they also appreciate classic, streamlined pieces—perhaps in homage to the city’s rich architectural history. (Chicago is, of course, the birthplace of the skyscraper, and architects like Frank Gehry and Jeanne Gang are continuing to evolve the skyline today.) With a wave of new home and apparel boutiques popping up all over—from edgy River North neighborhoods to eclectic Wicker Park—there are plenty of places to scout out. Whether you’re on the hunt for decor treasures, seeking out stylish accessories, or looking for some standout fashion, Chicago will have a spot for you. Here are ten of our favorite shopping destinations for design-obsessed travelers to the city.
©Alan Shortall 20151/10Norcross and Scott Home
The interiors of Norcross and Scott are akin to the well-appointed living room of a design-savvy friend. The new boutique is nestled on a treelined street in the Andersonville neighborhood, famed for its home retail district. Inside, you’ll find a cornucopia of home goods that range from edgy brass-plated candleholders by Tom Dixon to colorful Shino Takeda ceramics. According to owners Amanda Norcross and Scott Paterek, Chicagoans relate to strong lines reflective of the city’s architecture, so it makes sense that sculptural pieces like gazelle wire trophy heads by Bend Goods and hand-painted, geometric-print leather pillows by Avo are popular with the local crowd. 1476 West Berwyn Avenue; norcrossandscott.com
2/10Ikram
It’s not hard to find beautiful clothes on the Magnificent Mile, but legendary boutique Ikram stands apart from the rest. Ikram Goldman, who helped fill Michelle Obama’s wardrobe, has a talent for transforming one’s look. The 16,500-square-foot crimson palace carries an eclectic collection of American, European, and Japanese designers—Rodarte, Valentino, and Yohji Yamamoto are just a few labels on display. You’ll also find an art gallery and a farm-to-table restaurant. You can easily spend an entire day in this gem. 15 East Huron Street; ikram.com
Copyright 2016. All rights reserved.3/10Gather Home + Lifestyle
Gather Home + Lifestyle dedicates itself to curating beautifully simple goods—it’s a haven for purists and minimalists. The Wicker Park shop charms customers with its mostly black-and-white merchandise, with occasional offerings of natural woods and leathers. Most of the items are sourced from independent artisans who create streamlined ceramics, unorthodox planters, handmade jewelry, and wood-carved utensils. 2321 West North Avenue; gatherhomeandlifestyle.com
4/10Orange Skin
What do you get when two architects dedicate themselves to bringing modern design to Chicagoans? A gorgeous showroom filled with a bright and eclectic collection that ranges from Philippe Starck’s gnome table-stool to origami-like nesting tables made by local furniture designer TJ O’Keefe. Orange Skin’s blend of international and homegrown talent is what makes its inventory so appropriate for the design-forward River North district. Even if you’re not in the market to buy, simply strolling through the space is sure to delight. 223 West Erie Street; orangeskin.com
- Architecture + DesignTour Peter Frampton’s Peaceful and Accessible Tennessee Home
5/10Space519
One thing locals love is a good “general store,” and Space519 fits the bill. Owners Lance Lawson and Jim Wetzel make a point of curating across the spectrum so that you can find eco-friendly eyeshadow, a jar of buckwheat honey, and a plush cashmere sweatshirt in one place. It’s the perfect stop during a shopping spree on the Magnificent Mile—especially if you’re running short on time. Not only is the boutique updated weekly, but it also hosts events with partnering brands like Derek Lam 10 Crosby, RMS Beauty, and Dannijo. 900 North Michigan Avenue, 5th Fl.; space519.com
6/10MCA Store
A stay in Chicago isn’t complete without a stop at the Museum of Contemporary Art—and its illustrious gift shop. The MCA store is the ideal place to pick up a memento that captures the spirit of this art-driven city, from futuristic Mylar mobiles to a digitized rendition of a Ming dynasty vase. Even if you leave empty-handed, visiting the cast-aluminum and limestone building of the MCA (inspired by the Chicago School of Architecture) is a treat in itself. 220 East Chicago Avenue; mcachicagostore.org
- Architecture + DesignTour Peter Frampton’s Peaceful and Accessible Tennessee Home
7/10Douglas Rosin
Douglas Rosin is a bit like a rabbit hole of things curiouser and curiouser. The gallery-style boutique is famed for its collection of bronze sculptures, vintage jewelry, and art. From Bauhaus to midcentury modern to Art Deco, the design eras are all there. Don’t be surprised if you’re glued to the gilded cabinet filled with museum-quality vintage Chanel jewelry. 730 North Wells Street; douglasrosin.com
Emilia Jane LLC8/10SouthLoopLoft
The French mantel fireplace, stained-glass windows, and 37-foot-long skylight contribute to the design charisma of SouthLoopLoft, located in a 1931 building that once housed a sandblasting company. Walking up the stairway to the 3,500-square-foot showroom, you’re greeted by plaques and relics from historic Chicago buildings. Proprietress Beth Berke has traveled the world to fill the loft with one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, focusing on traditional investment works with a textural element. You’ll find rich velvet Chesterfields, colorful Guatemalan and Turkish rugs, Danish leather chairs, handwoven macramé wall hangings, and statement pieces like brass and burl wood sculptures. 308 North Leavitt Street; thesouthlooploft.com
- Architecture + DesignTour Peter Frampton’s Peaceful and Accessible Tennessee Home
9/10Rider for Life
Edgy is one way to describe Rider for Life, but that doesn’t mean that the treasures are off-limits to anyone with a more classic aesthetic—the boutique offers an eclectic mix of contemporary brands that span a myriad of tastes. With everything from men’s and women’s apparel to apothecary items to choose from, you’re bound to find a unique souvenir, be it a pyramid-shaped soap or tortoiseshell frames. 1115 West Lake Street; riderfor.life
201510/10Quest Modern Design
The showroom at Quest Modern Design is like a giant candy store for mid-20th-century furnishings, lighting, and accessories. Between the Jens Risom armchairs and the faceted brass sconces, it’s quite easy to walk out with an entire living room (or at the very least, some Italian ceramics). Formerly an interior designer, owner Vilmar Arias has been a collector for more than 15 years, coming across rare finds like a Bertha Schaefer asymmetrical cabinet and a Paul McCobb for Bryce Originals wall shelf. 4030 North Milwaukee Avenue; questmoderndesign.com
