Sitting in the Gold Coast neighborhood is one of the most prestigious stretches of retail shopping destinations in the world, Oak Street. It may not be big in size, but it’s gigantic in luxury. It’s no wonder that Lanvin has opened its sixth freestanding US boutique (first in Chicago) on this high-profile block. The new shop, located at 116 East Oak Street, is a 3,422 square foot space that will be dedicated to both the Men’s and Women’s Ready-to-Wear and Accessories collections.
The company’s CEO, Thierry Andretta, had this to say about the choice of Oak Street for the new Lanvin store, “Our decision to establish roots on Oak Street is in line with Lanvin’s strategy towards luxury. The philosophy of our brand is to invite our clientele to partake in a more intimate, personal retail experience. Oak Street is a destination, removed from the city’s hustle and bustle; we feel at home here.” That quote is basically echoing everything I have ever wrote about Oak Street; even a Parisian fashion house recognizes its luxurious elegance.
The new store is the brainchild of Alber Elbaz and is the first to feature a new Lanvin retail concept that was conceived by Elbaz in collaboration with American architects MR Architecture and Décor. The boutique will occupy a historic four-story townhouse, which is emblematic of the brand. It combines Art Deco elements with touches of French style. In general, Lanvin stores offer the feeling of an exclusive club with the intimacy and comfort of one’s home. In the reconceived version they are taking that philosophy and modernizing it with a more contemporary “approach to space, proportion and light,” according to MR Architecture and Décor.
All of that is fine, but I know most are wondering what they can find inside the store other than a two-story ceiling and two large-scale wrought iron vitrines in the foyer. For those eager to know about the clothes won’t be disappointed, on the first floor past the entryway is a 1,500 ft ground floor dedicated to us men. The menswear universe includes sportswear and runway collections by Lucas Ossendrijver. That’s just the front, in the rear is the made-to-measure suiting, evening wear and men’s finishings. There’s also a bag and shoe wall that transitions between the two areas. I love any boutique/store/shop that actually makes the men’s department a priority; I think I speak for all men (all men who like to shop) when I say we want more stores to make menswear more of a focus and I’m glad Lanvin has.
But us men will never compare to the power of the female shopper, so it comes as no surprise that the second and third floors house the women’s universe. The entire second floor is accessories…yes I said the entire second floor. It has a bag corner, a jewelry alcove and a shoe salon. Women or those shopping for their significant others have the option of either stopping by the accessories floor first or visiting it on the way down from the third floor, where the brand’s ready to wear, 22 Faubourg, bridal “Blanche,” and children’s “Petite” collections are all located. Whatever you are shopping for at the Lanvin store, I’m sure you will find it. With the new concept, which merges the brand’s whimsical DNA with a new streamlined retail universe, be prepared for an amazing shopping experience.
Source and Images: Lanvin
News
February 5, 2013Lanvin Boutique to Open in South Coast Plaza Next Month
