Chicago fashion lovers can celebrate! Today, May 22, the iconic fashion house opened its first standalone store in the vibrant city. Balenciaga’s first boutique in Chicago is an impressive two-level space with an area of 641 square meters, located at 15 East Oak Street. Inside, there is a wide selection of women’s and men’s fashion, footwear, handbags, accessories, eyewear and jewelry.
The opening marks an exciting step for Balenciaga as it continues to expand its global store network. Chicago, known for its vibrant art scene and love of fashion, thus becoming an ideal place for the presentation of the brand’s avant-garde and innovative projects.
Raw Architecture Concept
Balenciaga has created a unique space that takes visitors on a fascinating journey through the world of design and architecture. The interior of the store has been designed in accordance with the concept of Raw Architecture, which is characteristic of the brand. This philosophy focuses on authenticity and rawness, leaving surfaces unfinished and adding suggestive details.
Brushed concrete floors resemble pavement tiles, blurring the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces. Concrete or cement board walls create an industrial atmosphere, emphasizing the character of the building. A large-format light ceiling hangs over the gathering areas, shoe section, staircase and fitting rooms, providing optimal lighting. A suspended ceiling grid, industrial lighting systems and other technical systems give the interior a raw, but at the same time elegant character.
Functional details such as hot-rolled metal tables and metal shelves with angel hair finish combine functionality with aesthetics, creating a unique atmosphere. Hanging racks bring to mind the atmosphere of a warehouse or studio, adding authenticity to the interior. The Raw Architecture concept also places emphasis on minimizing the use of new materials. By respecting and exposing existing structural elements, the construction process highlights the building’s history, giving it a unique character. Balenciaga’s first boutique in Chicago could not have been a more thoughtful initiative.
The first Balenciaga boutique in Chicago – what will we find there?
The opening of the new Chicago store comes shortly after the debut of Balenciaga’s three-story flagship store in a newly remodeled building Toraya Ginza in Tokyo. The brand’s first store in the prestigious Ginza district opened its doors last month, attracting the attention of many design lovers. The newest Chicago boutique will also feature the latest designs from the summer 2024 and fall 2024 collections.
That’s not all – the brand also plans to introduce new handbags, Le City and Rodeo, which are already generating huge interest. These exclusive accessories, designed with the highest fashion standards in mind, will certainly become the object of desire of collectors of luxury accessories. The new Balenciaga store in Chicago is not just a place to shop. It is a space that inspires, surprises and invites you to discover the world of luxury fashion in a unique setting. So visit the store at 15 East Oak Street and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of raw chic and timeless style.