Chicago shopping guide

NORTH AND THE LOOP. If there is a single city to which the boom in architecture from the late 20th-century onwards can be attributed, that city is Chicago. The Pritzker Prize, which many see as the architectural equivalent of the Nobel Prize, originated here. Over the last 200 years the city has laid the foundations for the development of art that, in recent years, has shifted to the world of fashion thanks to links between major architects and luxury firms.

Macy’s, Chicago

Fashion stores in Chicago can be found mainly in two areas: in the top part of the city along Michigan Avenue, starting from the river after which the city is named, stand some of the main stores, and above all the shopping malls that the harsh winter climate has made the hallmark of the city, such as Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord & Taylor and Bloomingdale’s. Nearby are Ralph Lauren, Burberry, Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Chanel, located on the ground floor of the legendary Drake Hotel.

Running west from Michigan Avenue at this point is the second most important shopping street in the city: East Oak Street. This street is home to BCBG Max Azria, YSL, Luca Luca, Prada and the multi-brand stores Ultimo and Barneys New York. Not far from here are Ikram, another major multi-brand, and urban style specialist Diesel.

Across the river to the south is the famous Loop with its elevated train running between old buildings and modern skyscrapers, giving the cityscape a spectacular appearance. There, in a building with a style all its own, stands the benchmark for department stores everywhere: Macy’s.

Blake, Chicago

Other Areas. Further north, West Armitage and North Halsted streets make for an interesting walk thanks to the unusual nature of the area and the fashion stores based there, such as Barneys Co-Op, with its careful selection of fashions that are more urban in style than those of Oak Street, BCBG Max Azria, Cynthia Rowley or Studio 910. Further south and west of the downtown area is North Damen, another area bustling with activity, especially on the weekend, which boasts three interesting multi-brand stores: Apartment Number 9, specializing in men's clothing, P45 and Tangerine. Finally, located away from these areas following its relocation to 220 West Chicago Avenue in 2006, is Blake, a minimalist multi-brand store offering an extraordinary selection. This is a store you should not miss.