To the delight of Damen Avenue Shoppers, Marc by Marc Jacobs has opened its doors. The unveiling has been eagerly anticipated for months and was worth the wait. The store itself is an airy space with massive cornerstone windows and heated floors. It's chock-full of Marc’s iconic, pop culture infused clothing and accessories. Marc by Marc Jacobs contains a fabulous selection that begs perusal and loitering: coffee table books, perfumes, bags, womens and menswear, plus footwear, all with Marc’s signature wit.
Playful, white rubber rain boots emboldened with the word Chicago lined one wall, another showcased a stunning selection of subtly luxurious handbags. Of course, there was also a plentiful array of staple items, such as the Marc jeans that fit oh-so-well in all the right places, signature blazers and tees. A personal favorite was the Miss Marc scarf and hat set. Jacob’s adorable character, Miss Marc, resplendently cozy in her own little hat and sweater, decorates the base of this scarf with built-in pockets. The hat is just too cute; and an adorable red ball atop finishes the set off with aplomb.
Marc’s business partner, the affable Robert Duffy was in town to help open the store’s doors. When asked who inspired him, Duffy generously referenced the staff both at the Damen location and at the brand’s headquarters.
In honor of the opening, Marc Jacobs hosted a gorgeous sit-down dinner and after party on January 18th
at a warehouse that was over two floors in Wicker Park. Chicago’s fashionable crowd came out in numbers to raise their glasses to Marc Jacobs’ first Chicago store. Marc himself flew in from Paris to help host and celebrate. Guests were delighted by the lighthearted evening of dinner and dancing. The dinner served was a first course of baby arugula, red oak and watercress salad, an entrée choice of either pan seared Icelandic arctic char or roasted new Zealand baby lamb chops persillade or eggplant roulade and a dessert trio of chocolate pot du crème, strawberry tart and white chocolate. Several dj's provided live mixing and Perry Farrell of Lollapalooza even took to the stage at one point. The event benefited Common Threads, a nonprofit
that educates children about nutrition.
Chicago just keeps heating up with fashion and fun.
Marc Jacobs is located at 1714 N. Damen Avenue in Chicago. www.marcjacobs.com
-Kari Skaflen
