Saks must really love me. When I say me, I mean to say male fashion lovers. After closing down the stand-alone men’s store on Michigan Avenue. They announced a small change in their main store a little while ago, now comes word that they are bringing THE FIFTH MAN concept to Chicago, January 2014! The store, opening will offer a one-of-a-kind shopping experience highlighted by new designer presentations, one of the largest men’s shoe shops in the Midwest and the debut of a new restaurant, Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue.
The renovation will be all about the sixth and seventh floors, both dedicated to creating an environment conducive to the modern man. They are taking this concept so serious that THE FIFTH MAN will even have express elevators that take you directly to the men’s department. They are really dedicated to making Saks on Michigan Avenue one of the best shopping destinations in the city.
“Saks is thrilled to offer our customers exciting new lifestyle shopping experiences all under one roof,” says Tom Ott, Senior Vice president and GMM for Men’s, Home and Gifts at Saks Fifth Avenue. “The greatly expanded men’s shoe salon, the deeper focus on designer and denim and the open shopping environment are sure to make Chicago’s Fifth Man a unique shopping destination.”
The full list of what’s to come is as follows:
On Six: A Modern Haberdashery
Inspired by the Library of Congress rotunda with its strong circular form and reading tables, Six will be a classic and clubby environment with a warm, rich material pallet of brass and bronze metals, cerused oak and handmade wall coverings inspired by men’s suiting fabrics.
A radial layout on Six will feature an ever-evolving assortment of luxury brands such as Kiton, Isaia, Brioni, Ermenegildo Zegna and Brunello Cucinelli as well as the new addition of Salvatore Ferragamo. The floor will also house the latest prototype shop for the exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection. A new Customized area will house Made-to-Measure Suiting.
Spotlight on Shoes
Centrally positioned in the rotunda of Six, customers will discover an expansive new shoe shop that extends through an open ceiling linking floors Six and Seven. The new shop will feature more than 500 unique styles. Newly added brands will include Brioni, Gravati, Pierre Cathay, Adidas’ collaboration with Raf Simons, Y3 and Opening Ceremony.
On Seven: Designer + Denim
Seven will be a contemporary environment inspired by the great modern architecture pioneers of Chicago such as Mies Van der Rohe and Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with materials and details that allude to industrial media. Raw and blackened steel, gray cerused oak and wall coverings feel inspired by the machine age.
On Seven, customers will find new offerings from Givenchy, Dior, Y3, Carven and Ami, making THE FIFTH MAN an unequaled destination for advanced designer sportswear in Chicago. Brands such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry London, Dolce & Gabbana, Etro, Versace and Z Zegna will receive elevated exposure. The space on Seven will also include a revamped denim offering with brands such as AG Adriano Goldschmied, DL1961, Hudson, J Brand, Nudie, Raleigh Denim, Rag and Bone and Willis & Walker.
Sophie’s, an innovative new restaurant and bar, will boast expansive views of the Magnificent Mile.
The Environment
THE FIFTH MAN—short for “The Saks Fifth Avenue Man”—is dedicated to men who are not only interested in clothing but a distinctive lifestyle. THE FIFTH MAN is designed by Saks Fifth Avenue with award-winning luxury retail designers Jeffery Hutchison & Associates and will be home to commissioned, revolving art installations, high-end amenities and more. The floor opening, uniting Six with Seven, features a custom bronze and steel sculpture cutting through both levels. Nine large floor-to-ceiling vitrines are strategically placed on both floors, spotlighting collection highlights, much like the effect of exterior windows on the street. Both floors are softened with residential-style touches including mixed- oak plank flooring from the Netherlands, mid-century modern architectural touches, and an eclectic collection of classic and contemporary furniture.
The Restaurant
Sophie’s at Saks Fifth Avenue, a new signature restaurant, will debut in the Chicago store. Sophie’s is inspired by American fashion designer Sophie Gimbel, the iconic arbiter of style at Saks for nearly 40 years. Award-winning architect Andre Kikoski was selected to create the sleek, contemporary design that will define the Sophie’s aesthetic. Barcelona-born chef Alexandro Reyes created the Sophie’s menu, which will offer an array of globally influenced yet decidedly American cuisine and libations. Sophie’s is slated to open January 2014 in Chicago.
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