Coach Launches Craftsmanship Bar for All Your Leather Needs

This Week’s Top Story

Coach (625 N. Michigan Ave., coach.com) will launch its Craftsmanship Bar on November 3. The first of its kind in the Midwest, the bar will offer a range of services for Coach’s leather products—think repair, preservation, __and customization. Shoppers can also get their goods cleaned at the bar, free of charge. (Previously, this service had only been available in London, New York, __and San Francisco.) And, there’s plenty of eye-candy while you wait: the bar is flanked with vitrines that showcase vintage Coach bags from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. Speaking of decades past, Coach has a vintage auction running online through tomorrow afternoon; check out its rare goods here.

Top Sales This Week

Rebecca Minkoff (rebeccaminkoff.com) is hosting an online sample sale with discounts of up to 75 percent on clothing, bags, and accessories. Items include a quilted cross-body bag (reduced from $195 to $98) and a royal blue satchel (reduced from $395 to $198).

Fabletics will celebrate the grand opening of its Old Orchard store (4905 Old Orchard Center, Skokie, fabletics.com) by offering 20 percent off all purchases Friday through Sunday. The brand, which was co-founded by actress Kate Hudson, offers workout gear for men and women.

Openings

Mod + Ethico (modandethico.com) is now open at 27 North Morgan Street. The clothing and lifestyle boutique sells items produced in socially and environmentally responsible ways. Look for a made-in-America, cropped leather jacket ($750), a rose-gold feather necklace ($45), and snakeskin ankle booties ($295).

Brilliant Earth (brilliantearth.com), which specializes in responsibly sourced jewelry, is set to open its first Midwest showroom at 34 East Oak Street. The 2,000-square-foot shop, which opens in early November, will offer personalized consultations for shoppers seeking engagement and wedding rings, fine jewelry, and vintage pieces.

Pop-Up

Monica + Andy (monicaandandy.com) will open a pop-up shop at Water Tower Place (835 N. Michigan Ave.) on November 1. Open through February, the shop will sell clothes, bedding, and accessories for babies and kids. Look out for cute pieces like the cherub baby sweater ($48) and a miniature “moto jacket” made with organic cotton ($58).

Personal Appearance

Karen Fairchild, a member of the popular country band Little Big Town, will appear at Macy’s Water Tower (835 N. Michigan Ave., macys.com) tomorrow. The singer will promote her new clothing line, Fair Child. With all pieces clocking in at under $150, the Nashville-inspired line offers printed metallic leggings, a studded faux leather motorcycle jacket, and a faux fur coat. The first 200 shoppers to make a purchase will be invited to meet Fairchild and snap a photo with her. And though the appearance begins at 5:30, staffers predict that lines will start forming before then.

Market

Randolph Street Market (randolphstreetmarket.com) returns to Plumbers Hall (1340 W. Washington St.) with a “Picks N Treats” theme on Saturday and Sunday. With 125 vendors, this run of the market will feature Halloween décor and fun dress-up items. There will also festive snacks (think taffy apples) and an airbrush-tattoo parlor, housed in a 1963 VW bus, from the Field Museum. Find ticket info here.

Health & Beauty

The ACME Hotel (15 E. Ohio St., acmehotelcompany.com) hosts a pop-up barbershop for Cubs fans (that’s the entire city, these days) tomorrow. Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the shop will be manned by barber Miguel Rosas of New Style Barbershop. Rosas will give guests free Cubs-logo buzz cuts; for $150, he’ll shave an intricate portrait of a Cubs player into your head. Way to top a baseball cap.

 

Sales and Shopping News

FURLA opens new flagship store on rue Saint-Honoré

By Stella Pelissari

The famous Italian brand, FURLA, opened their new flagship boutique on rue Saint-Honoré last month during Paris Fashion Week when the city played host to designers, journalists and fashion buyers from all over the world.

With more than 100m2 of shopping space, the vast store offers an exclusive atmosphere combining the charm and tradition of the past, with their contrasting chic modernity.

The store décor is comprised of neutral, pastel tones mixed with exotic and rare materials such as rosewood, Italian Travertine marble and opalescent glass creating a luminous atmosphere.

"The interiors have been redesigned to offer a more precious, sophisticated look, optimising and adding value to the display area which, besides the handbag segment, highlights the accessories category: footwear, textile products, eyewear, watches and small leather goods", says Alberto Camerlengo, the General Manager of FURLA.

The existing FURLA boutique located at 281 rue Saint-Honoré will be transformed into a Pop-Up store dedicated to the brands collection of products and accessories for men. It will be the first store in Europe for FURLA Men allowing them a unique space designed to perfectly showcase their offering to the male client.

House of Fraser

Founded in 1849, House of Fraser is a British department store on a mission to provide everything your heart's desires for more than 150 years.

From humble Drapery Shop in Victorian Glasgow to an internationally inspirational department store, with over 60 stores across the United Kingdom and Ireland. 

They're so much more than just a house; they're a whole universe, a magical wardobe, full of your favourite things and brands. 

www.houseoffraser.co.uk

River Island

With over 60 years of fashion retailing experience, River Island is one of the most successful brands on the High Street. River Island has nearly 300 stores across the UK, Ireland and internationally which provide the latest trends in fashion across Womenswear, Menswear and Kidswear.

River Island is known for its stylish and affordable product and the unique touches it brings to each collection. Customers love River Island for its great occasionwear, amazing denim and fabulous shoes and bags, as well as being the perfect place to pick up everything you could need to get a complete head-to-toe look. New product is available in-store and online daily and in-store services include ‘Click and Collect’ meaning you can shop the complete collection online, and have your purchase delivered directly to store for your convenience.

www.riverisland.com

Reiss

Design-led, sexy, modern, iconic.  The Reiss philosophy centres on creating and producing directional, design-led men's wear, women's wear and accessories.

Reiss prides itself on an uncompromising commitment to delivering innovative, original products combining exceptional design, quality and value. 

The first Reiss store opened in 1971 selling European-quality men’s tailoring in the city of London. David Reiss, founder and owner, kept his vision alive while developing and diversifying the brand. By 2000, Reiss had put in place its own in-house design team and atelier, securing its design credentials and focusing on expanding its unique offer into a complete range of womenswear as well as menswear and accessories.

Today Reiss is a multi-national fashion retailer with over 90 stores worldwide. The iconic and truly impressive flagship store and headquarters opened in London’s West End on Barrett Street in 2007 in the site that once housed the London College of Fashion.

www.reiss.com.

New Chicago History Museum Exhibit Celebrates a Chicago Couturier

This Week’s Top Story

Chicago History Museum’s highly anticipated exhibit “Making Mainbocher: The First American Couturier” opens Saturday. A Chicago native, Mainbocher (full name Main Rousseau Bocher) was the first American to work as a couturier in Paris. He was known for short evening dresses __and bejeweled sweaters; he also designed the Duchess of Windsor’s wedding dress in 1937, __and had a hand in reviving the corset.

The exhibit tells the couturier’s story with 30 garments displayed alongside photography and fashion illustrations; it also offers videos and oral histories. Here’s the really fun part: an interactive component lets visitors design a virtual garment using Mainbocher’s go-to colors and fabrics. The design is then projected onto a 3-D dress form. For more info, head to makingmainbocher.com.

Top Sale This Week

BCBG MaxAzria Factory at Chicago Premium Outlets (1650 Premium Outlet Blvd., Aurora, premiumoutlets.com) is offering 30 percent off new arrivals—and an additional 30 percent off some select styles—through October 31.

Openings

Zara at Block 37 (108 N. State St., zara.com) has reopened with a new, minimalistic look. New touches include a façade made of transparent glass decked in white, vertical window blades. The store currently has the autumn/winter 2016 collections in stock, and carries items for men, women, and children.

Razny Jewelers (razny.com) will open its fourth location at 109 East Oak Street this fall. At 7,500 square feet, the three-story shop will sell Patek Philippe timepieces. On the second floor, a spacious reception area will host private showings of the timepieces, as well as custom and designer jewelry.

Trunk Shows

Kristin Cavallari will host a meet-and-greet and trunk show at Luxury Garage Sale (1658 N. Wells St., luxurygaragesale.com) on October 26. The designer and TV personality will show off her latest collection of Emerald + DUV jewelry (emeraldduv.com). She’ll also sign copies of her book Balancing in Heels, which will be available for purchase onsite. Space is limited; RSVP to rsvp@boldfacechicago.com.

My Sister’s Circus, which has locations in Highland Park (601 Elm Pl.) and in the 900 Shops (900 N. Michigan Ave.), will host a trunk show featuring fall and winter coats by Lee Andersen. The show will run at the Highland Park location until October 26, then move to the Michigan Avenue store and run until November 1.

Personal Appearances

Barneys (15 East Oak St., barneys.com) is hosting two daytime trunk shows today. From 2 to 4 p.m., shoe designer Tabitha Simmons will meet and greet customers from the shoe salon on the second floor. From 3 to 5 p.m., jeweler Brooke Garber Neidich of Sidney Garber will meet with customers on the first floor.

Market

Le Fair, a shopping event benefitting Kicks in the City, will take place at Rockit Bar and Grill (22 W. Hubbard St.) on October 23. With a carnival theme, the event lets visitors shop collections curated by the local fashion bloggers behind Drunk on Shoes, Red Soles Red Wine, Once Upon a Dollhouse, and Sassy Peach.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Greece: Now even easier to shop Tax Free

The Tax Free shopping minimum spend amount in Greece has changed from €120.00 to €50.00 making now the perfect time to shop your favourite brands on your next visit to Greece.

Spend over €50.00 on the same day in the same store with one of our Premier Tax Free brands and you will be able to reclaim the tax.

Learn more about Tax Free shopping in Greece here.

Chanel: Back To The Future

By Stella Pelissari

Karl Lagerfeld, the design legend who will never grow old. He has always looked to the future to influence his work and displays a legendary talent for capturing the energy of the moment. His curiosity for the latest technological offering is shown in his new collection for CHANEL.

CHANEL: AT THE HEART OF THE DATA CENTER

The new CHANEL SS17 collection is futuristic, digital and tech-electric. Traditional materials - tweed suits, chains, quilted and camellias are given a digital upgrade with electric tones, neon finishes, scanned pixels and wire accents.

The famous Grand Palais of Paris, the CHANEL catwalk of choice, was transformed into a giant futuristic platform.  Models were seen emerging from an immense structure of thousands of stacked computers and electrical wires in bright colours. Dressed in traditional CHANEL jackets and bright baseball caps, mixing haute couture and modern street fashion in perfect harmony.

One of the key elements of the collection were the lingerie inspired dresses, discreetly worn under heavy tweeds. Elsewhere, handbags and accessories came with LED lights and sandals crafted in metallic leather allowing the CHANEL woman to maintain her frenetic pace in chic, informal comfort.                                                          

A classic collection reinvented with an entirely new look for spring, youthful designs for the modern woman, powerful, yet steeped in femininity.

After the show, Lagerfeld said…"CHANEL has always been modern before its time. I have associated the traditional tweed blazers with these modern creatures from the future to say: CHANEL is timeless, CHANEL is immortal".

Dior

Christian Dior's vision has always been ahead of its time, fascinating women with his ability to combine utmost modernity with timeless elegance.

Founded in 1946 by the eponymous designer Christian Dior, today the company designs and retails ready-to-wear, leather goods, fashion accessories, footwear, jewellery, timepieces, fragrance, make-up, and skincare products while also maintaining its tradition as a creator of recognized haute couture (under the Christian Dior Couture division).

From the renowned Bar suit to the grandest evening gowns, the famous Lady Dior bag to the Dior VIII watch and Bois de Rose jewellery, and from the Dior Addict lipstick to the best selling J’adore perfume, Dior's creations constitute an unmatched universe.

Dior is the ultimate symbol of elegance, excellence and luxury. In the 21st Century, Dior continues to define elegance and style with the same audacity that inspired Monsieur Dior when he launched his house.

www.dior.com

Discover Vertu’s Latest Collections

Interested in adding a bit of luxury to your smartphone experience? British luxury phone manufacturer Vertu create some of the finest handsets globally, developing the highest benchmarks when it comes to power, reliability and performance. Their latest collections; Aster Chevron and NST Carbon Sport continue to meet the uncompromising standards and high expectations of its customer base.

Aster Chevron Collection
Crafted from high-quality canvas material, available in pink, blue or black, Aster Chevron is the latest addition to the Vertu Aster Collection. It is a great option for anyone looking for modern and fashionable accessory.

This new handset is a seamless combination of leading technology, exciting services and innovative design, including titanium chassis, sapphire crystal screen and the distinctive chevron pattern inspired by the Vertu logo.

Retail price £3000

NST Carbon Sport
Combining the finest English craftsmanship, cutting-edge technology and exclusive services, Signature Touch is our latest high performance smartphone from the biggest crystal sapphire screen on the market (5.2”), an exceptional 4G global connectivity, a 21 Megapixels camera to its Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 810 Octa-core processor. 

Add a touch of adventure with this sporty edition wrapped in orange calf. It features satin black PVD sides with polished gunmetal grey highlights in Grade 5 Titanium and satin grey hardened ceramic pillow.

Ceramic pillow that has been sandblasted to prominently reveal a intricate, glossy V logo.

Fine calf leather in sunny bright orange complemented with a black racing strip.

Retail price £10000

Shop Vertu Tax Free

Reiss AW16 Seasonal Overview

For the AW16 collections the Reiss design team looked to a range of cultural references for inspiration.  Menswear looks to the icons and regulars of Studio 54 for inspiration. Colours and fabrications remain light and crisp at the start of the season but as the weather turns fabrics are bolder, shinier and are drawn from a darker colour palette.

The womenswear collection launches with styles that nod to the theatrical works of the 1920s Bloomsbury artists and in later weeks, we see creative influence stem from Truman Capote’s Black and White Ball. Hand-drawn, painterly prints prevail, intricate details adorn fabrications and new techniques are adopted.

New Diorever & Diorama designs for AW16

Jennifer Lawrence, the Dior muse of choice, is back to showcase their latest handbag collection. Dior and Lawrence have a long-standing partnership, with the star fronting the brand's AW15 accessories campaign and being named the face of the Dior Addict makeup line in the spring of last year.

Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier was brought in for the photo shoot for this latest Dior campaign featuring the beautiful actress with new versions of the Diorever and Diorama bags. The result is a campaign which is classic, elegant and more captivating than ever!

The Diorama, a must-have classic.

The Diorama collection is a classic line revisited each season, described as the ‘signature bag of the new Dior woman’. Stylish and contemporary "Diorama" is available in a full range of styles, from essential to more sophisticated versions for all occasions.

The Diorever, for a modern woman.

The Diorever appeared for the first time at their Spring/Summer 2016 runway show. Reversible, it reflects a unique style and personality. Its crest-shaped clasp makes a statement as the emblematic signature of the Dior woman. Perfect for every day, this tote adapts to your mood and style and adds an effortless touch of sophistication to any look. Available in a variety of materials and colours, there is a Diorever bag for everyone!

Poiray: Precious Combinations

Among the most legendary French jewellers, Poiray, since its creation in 1975, has established an excellent reputation for their design audacity that provides a welcome alternative to traditional jewellery.

The new Foulard Watch

For this winter, Poiray offers a new way to wear its watches: wrapped by a foulard scarf around the wrist. The collection was designed by the charming and artistic Inès de Parcevaux, who has created square silk scarfs that are easily mounted on each watch, Again, Poiray has been able to create an almost endless choice of watch colours that will certainly appeal to artistic types who like to create their own custom look. It may be a sophisticated silk scarf or bandana in cotton, in neutral colours or festive patterns to revive the classic winter look. The choice is almost endless, a constant invitation to create your own personal style.         

www.poiray.com

Valentino and Oscar de la Renta Are 80 Percent Off

This Week’s Top Story

The Gilt City Warehouse Sale returns to the MCA Warehouse (1747 W. Hubbard St.) October 14 __and 15. The popular sale stocks fashion from ultra high-end brands like Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, __and Derek Lam—and goods are discounted by up to 80 percent. Score tickets for the sale here.

Top Sale This Week

Twelve local boutiques will participate in a warehouse sale at Mazi Dance Studio (1564 N. Damen Ave.) on Saturday. The sale will feature below-cost inventory from shops like Penelope’s, Study Hall, Moon Voyage, and Milk Handmade. Find more information here.

Opening

Chalk (chalkboutique.com), the highly regarded Evanston boutique, has opened a second location. The new Chalk is at 337 Park Avenue in Glencoe. The shop offers women’s clothing, shoes, and jewelry from mix of established and emerging designers.

Trunk Show

Jewelry designer Dahlia Kanner (dahliakannerstudio.com) will host a trunk show at Virtu (2035 N. Damen Ave., virtuchicago.com) on Friday from 5 to 8 p.m.

Health & Beauty

Spa Week (spaweek.com) returns October 17 to 23. The promotion offers $50 treatments at citywide spas. This time around, offerings include facials and body treatments at The Red Door Salon & Spa as well as a French-wine facial with sound-wave treatment at Elizabeth Adam Salon and Day Spa.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Bella Boutique 14th Anniversary

When we find a local boutique we love, there’s no going back and we’re so excited that we have a forever fashionable home at Bella Boutique Boca, located in the Boca Center! If you haven’t noticed on social media, we’re obsessed with everything they have in their store. The owner, Christina Poulos, is on top of the latest and greatest __fashion trends in the industry. Bella literally has something for everyone, ranging in pieces that compliment every body type, sense of style and price point. If you’ve seen us out #OnTheScene, chances are we’re decked out in Bella.

As we were shopping, it was brought to our attention that Bella Boutique would be celebrating their 14th anniversary in October! Yes, 14 years in business! Definitely something to celebrate. In true LLScene fashion, we're all throwing a party to celebrate! Join us TONIGHT Friday, October 14 from 6-9pm for a night of bubbly, bites, shopping, discounts, brow bars, lashes, makeup touch ups & surprises!

Where: Bella Boutique Boca

5050 Town Center Cir Suite #230, Boca Raton, FL 33486

Phone: (561) 393-3883

RSVP: info@ll-scene.com

 

Until then, check out their adorable store in the Boca Center shopping plaza. Hope to see you all there! 

The latest Diorever & Diorama designs for AW16

Jennifer Lawrence, the Dior muse of choice, is back to showcase their latest handbag collection. Dior and Lawrence have a long-standing partnership, with the star fronting the brand's AW15 accessories campaign and being named the face of the Dior Addict makeup line in the spring of last year.

Renowned photographer Patrick Demarchelier was brought in for the photo shoot for this latest Dior campaign featuring the beautiful actress with new versions of the Diorever and Diorama bags. The result is a campaign which is classic, elegant and more captivating than ever!

The Diorama, a must-have classic.

The Diorama collection is a classic line revisited each season, described as the ‘signature bag of the new Dior woman’. Stylish and contemporary "Diorama" is available in a full range of styles, from essential to more sophisticated versions for all occasions.

The Diorever, for a modern woman.

The Diorever appeared for the first time at their Spring/Summer 2016 runway show. Reversible, it reflects a unique style and personality. Its crest-shaped clasp makes a statement as the emblematic signature of the Dior woman. Perfect for every day, this tote adapts to your mood and style and adds an effortless touch of sophistication to any look. Available in a variety of materials and colours, there is a Diorever bag for everyone!

Louboutin Beauty from Head to Toe

Christian Louboutin again shows his admiration for the feminine universe as he returns to surprise us with the launch of his first Fragrance collection.

In 2014, the shoemaker extraordinaire caused a stir in the beauty world by presenting an exclusive collection of nail polishes, quickly followed by a highly desirable line of lipsticks.

This month, Christian Louboutin further cements his role in the world of cosmetics, by unveiling three irresistible fragrances, conceived as an expression of the different facets of Louboutin‘s women.

Trouble in Heaven is a mysterious and enveloping essence that combines Iris, Patchouli and Oriental Amber for a bold and opulent result.

Bikini Questa Sera is a warm fragrance, both exciting and sensual. The Tuberose and Jasmine notes are designed to evoke the intensity and heat of the sun on a woman’s skin.

Finally, Tornado Blonde is described as the scent of desire, a subtle blend of Red Rose, Violet and Blackcurrant that expresses both the romantic and adventurous spirit of a woman.

The bottles were designed in collaboration with British architect Thomas Heatherwick, and are equally beautiful as the incredible footwear created by Christian Louboutin himself. They feature a dynamic and sensuous allure, in a play of light that leads us to imagine that the bottles are moving.

Available in Christian Louboutin stores now.

The Rush University Fashion Show Celebrates 90 Years

This Week’s Top Story

The Woman’s Board of Rush University Medical Center hosts its 90th Annual Fashion Show on October 13—the longest continuously running charitable fashion show in the country.

To mark the milestone, the women have moved the show to the United Club at Soldier Field, which is fitting in light of the evening’s beneficiary: the Road Home Program at Rush, which provides mental health services for veterans __and their families.

The venue is also large enough to hold the 800-some guests organizers expect for a night that includes a cocktail reception, a fashion show, __and an after-party.

The show—which serves as the evening’s centerpiece—will feature designs from local boutiques such as Chalk, Space519, and the Lake Forest Shop. Designers such as Adam Lippes, who will be in attendance, will also show off their fall 2016 collections. And in a fun twist on a typical fashion show, models include prominent community members and their children.

For more information, click here.

Top Sale This Week

Have a slice of deep dish in honor of designer Rebecca Minkoff—her Chicago boutique is now open at 106 East Oak Street. The brand is also offering fresh markdowns on pieces including a quilted cross-body bag (reduced from $355 to $238) and a fold-over clutch decked with tassels (reduced from $245 to $164).

Opening

Ministry (ministry.co) is now open at 900 North Michigan Avenue. The third-floor shop has a unique “work/shop” concept—it provides Wi-Fi, tables, and work supplies in addition to officewear for men and women.

Trunk Show

Neapolitan Collection (neapolitanonline.com) will host a trunk show featuring fashion designer Adam Lippes and jewelry designer Lisa Coolidge Roberts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 12. Ten percent of all sales will benefit the Rush Medical Center.

In-Person Appearance

Canadian shoe designer Ron White (ronwhiteshoes.com), whose creations have been worn by the likes of Matt Damon and Katie Couric, will appear at Van Maur at Yorktown Center (145 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard) on October 8. White will be in the women’s shoe department to showcase his fall 2016 collection from noon to 4 p.m.

Health & Beauty

Petrosino’s Parlor is now open at the new Kimpton Gray Hotel (122 W. Monroe St., grayhotelchicago.com). The full-service salon and spa offers haircuts and color, as well as straight-razor shaves, massages, and pedicures. If you book a haircut with owner Ralfino Petrosino ($250), you’ll get to sit in a 1930s barber chair he refers to as the “Gatsby Station.”

The Spa at Dana Hotel (660 N. State St., spaatdana.com) is the first local spa to offer cryo-therapy facials. New services incorporate “CooLifting,” a technique that uses a spray of carbon dioxide, hyaluronic acids, and botanicals to hydrate skin and smooth out wrinkles.

 

Sales and Shopping News

Michael Kors : Technology with Style

Michael Kors has always been an innovative designer and comes out ahead of many other fashion brands launching their first two models of smart watches, combining style and technology.

The Michael Kors Access watches are available in two models: Bradshaw, a glamorous female version, and Dylan, a sportier and masculine style.

Michael Kors explains: "Our customers love fashion and are connected round the clock, 24/7." For the designer, we know that clients want an accessory that allows them to stay connected with whilst maintaining a fashion-forward aesthetic.

With lots of features, allowing users access to email, text messages and social networks, as well as storing large amounts of data about their physical activity, such as calculating the number of steps taken and calories burned…

What sets Michael Kors Access apart from its competition is its endless customisation options. In addition to several interchangeable straps, the watch face can be changed with a single swipe of the finger, for instant customisation to suit your mood. The most difficult thing will be choosing amongst hundreds of available combinations!