This Week’s Top Story
There are few figures in high fashion who part the seas at Paris boutiques the way Ikram Goldman does. And she’s—gasp—from Chicago, not a fashion “capital” like Milan or New York. This month, Chicago profiles the owner of the world-renowned lacquer-red Huron Street boutique, a woman who singlehandedly made our city a must-go destination in the fashion world.
“When people ask the best stores in the world, it’s Colette [in Paris], it’s 10 Corso Como [in Milan], and Ikram,” Paper magazine editorial director Mickey Boardman says. Follow the bombastic, big-hearted doyenne from her store’s raucous 15-year anniversary party, to Paris boutiques where store reps fawn before her, and back: “Ikram Goldman Rules the World.”
Opening
Lovely (lovelybride.com) will open its first Chicago store at 1657 North Wells in October. With 10 national locations, the chain operates as a franchise—so the Chicago outpost, owned by former corporate marketing pro Heather Hyman, will have unique characteristics.
“The Chicago Lovely store really embodies the [city’s] vibe,” says Hyman. “We are both modern and classic, with a touch of Midwestern charm.” She also hints at treats on the boutique’s menu: “It wouldn't be a Chicago Lovely if doughnuts weren't involved.”
The shop stocks a selection of gowns from indie labels such as Limor Rosen, Divine, and Ivy & Aster. “We feel so lucky that our brides are adventurous with their bridal style and aren't afraid to be non-traditional,” Hyman says. “Our designers really embrace the indie spirit, but keep the gowns feminine and timeless.” Gowns at Lovely are marked with Bohemian-style touches—think crocheted lace—and Hyman adds that a “sexier vibe” is trending among Lovely’s free-spirited vibes. “Low backs are here to stay!”
Top Sale This Week
At Elements (741 N. Wells St., elementschicago.com), select accessories are on sale. Items include a star necklace in champagne diamonds (reduced from $1,450 to $1,087) and a leather and ridged-chain bracelet (reduced from $550 to $275).
Pop-Up
Love Emme (loveemme.com) a gift site specializing in apparel and accessories, will host a grand opening for its pop-up shop at 1529 West Armitage Avenue on October 1. Running from 4 to 9 p.m., the event will offer cocktails, catered snacks, and specialty gifts with purchase.
Health and Beauty
Aligned Modern Health (215 W. Superior St., alignedmodernhealth.com) has opened a new location in River North. Housed in a former gallery, the airy, chandelier-studded space offers acupuncture, chiropractic services, and counseling in functional medicine and clinical nutrition.
Spa@TheWit (201 N. State St., thewithotel.com) is raising breast cancer awareness in October with special “pink” services. The limited-time treatments include a 50-minute massage, a body treatment and a manicure/pedicure; 10 percent of each service’s cost will be donated to the Lynn Sage Foundation.
Retail News of the Week
- Local designer Sky Cubacub specializes in “gender-affirming” garments. Read more.
- The styling service Trunk Club has added a $25 “try-on” fee. Read more.
- Merz Apothecary now offers delivery service on its beauty items through Amazon’s Prime. Read more.