This Week’s Top Story
Brandon Maxwell is looking forward to a “nice, quiet dinner at RL” this week—but first, he wants to meet you. The designer, who styles Lady Gaga in addition to heading his eponymous line, will be at Neiman Marcus (737 N. Michigan Ave., neimanmarcus.com) today from 4 to 6 p.m.
“We are so excited to showcase the arrival of the Spring/Summer 2017 collection,” Maxwell says. “I hope that the women of Chicago will love the ease of the collection. I feel like there is really something for every occasion here.” That means everything from jackets that pair nicely with jeans to cocktail dresses that play well with pumps.
For those who follow Maxwell’s work, he hints that this collection has something new to offer. “It was really an evolution from the previous two [collections,]” he says, noting that he’s “branching out into color” with blush and olive tones, and that his new pieces feature feminine shapes.
“Ease” is a word Maxwell uses often in reference to the collection, and comfort is at the heart of his style philosophy. “Whatever you choose to wear, make sure you feel the most comfortable,” he advises. “The better you feel, the more your beauty, confidence, and power shows.” The appearance will take place on the retailer’s second floor.
Top Sales This Week
“Diamonds” and “discount” don’t normally belong in the same sentence, but here’s an exception. Sale pieces at Elements (741 N. Wells St., elementschicago.com) include an 18-karat- gold-and-diamond leaf necklace (reduced to $1,600 from $3,200) and a diamond-studded, starburst pendant necklace (reduced from $1,450 to $725).
French brand Anne Fontaine (annefontaine.com) is offering 50 percent off select items. Score a puffed-sleeve shirt (reduced from $695 to $486), leather shorts (reduced from $695 to $486), or an embroidered organza biker jacket (reduced from $650 to $325).
Health & Beauty
Kiehl’s Since 1851 (kiehls.com) has partnered with the Chicago-based Bright Pink on a series of initiatives. For one, the brand’s new Butterstick Lip Treatment Duo, which offers clear and rose-tinted balms, donates all proceeds to the charity. Additionally, the Kiehl’s store at The Shops of North Bridge (520 N. Michigan Ave.) will host a Bright Pink workshop on Friday from 9 to 10 a.m. Offering catered breakfast and co-branded swag, the event will teach guests how to take preventative steps against breast cancer.
Opening
Free People (1101 W. Randolph St., freepeople.com) opens in its new, Randolph Street home on Friday. According to reps for the brand, the new space is meant to evoke the studio workshop of a “rugged girl”—but Free People’s essentially bohemian character will remain intact. The six, sparkly-walled dressing rooms will be decked in coin curtains and woven pendants, for example; the whole space will be bathed in natural light.
This outpost of the shop will be one of few to carry beauty goods and the athletic FP Movement line; it will also carry dresses, statement jackets, graphic tees, and shoes. That selection may sound overwhelming, but fret not: personal stylists offer one-on-one appointments. Get a sneak peek at the store from 6 to 8 p.m. tonight. The event will offer champagne and snacks from Bad Hunter.
Retail News of the Week
- Reebok plans to bring a “brick and click” concept to Bucktown. Read more.
- Ulta will stock its stores with MAC cosmetics. Read more.
- Fleurotica, a floral fashion show, takes place on Friday. Read more.