This morning, about 30 style clad Managers from different Gold Coast Specialty boutiques gathered together at Graff Diamonds magnificent Oak Street location to discuss fashion of course, specifically Spring Collection. Skip Weiss, Publisher of Chicago Collection Magazine, graciously hosts the quarterly meetings, where we discuss the retail landscape of the North Michigan Avenue and Oak Street market.
After mingling and enjoying breakfast at such a beautiful space filled with marble flooring, ceilings that made you feel as if you were in a grand palace, and rare violet sapphire diamonds serving as a backdrop, we were ready to discuss business. What can we expect this Spring 2012 Season? Here are a few highlights.
Strong pops of color at Burberry, with hints of 1960s nostalgia. The collection is upbeat and goes back to Christopher Baileys focus on fine craftsmanship. The accessories include crochet, braiding and carving techniques. Gorgeous raffia completes the Spring/Summer look. Burberry also touched on their latest project, the construction of their 3 level Flagship location on Michigan Avenue, which will include a children’s department. The store will be much more spacious and have ample room to easily accommodate clientele.
Escada, is another luxury retailer whom has been creating fashion buzz on the avenue as they undergo their move from the magnificent mile to 51 East Oak St in the former Yves Saint Laurent space. For spring season, you can expect a very earthy palette with a sophisticated take on Safari theme. Beautiful brown leather accessories to wrap around luxurious sage silk. We look forward to seeing Escada’s transition to the revamped space.
French retailer Anne Fontaine, is known for her white and black blouses with attention to detail. Anne is ever expanding and is now full collection, offering bottoms; beautiful handbags with floral detail, belts, accessories galore, including eyewear. This season, her trends range in pink hues, lady like cuts with a touch of feminine sex appeal. Anne is using plenty of sheer fabrics and of course her everlasting love for organdy lace. To amp it up, Anne is partaking in the animal print trend, the fabric and color tone however, is in a more subtle and understated way. She simply just adds strong shoulders and the look is magnifique.
Muiccia, goes retro this Spring with a 1950s spin in a vintage Chevy Cadillac at Prada. The collection is joyous, sweet, with a range from red and black to pink and cotton candy blue. The pin up glamour theme throughout the collection makes you want a hot Italian mechanic as a boyfriend. Printed vintage cars on skirts, the shoes are to die for, with get this, flame design going up the side. There is nothing but exciting and playful design at the house of Prada.
Other notable mentions that are hot this season: Color blocking in ready-to-wear and accessories. Exotic skin shoe alert at Stuart Weitzman with python. Ostritch and stingray are other exotics on the fashion radar. The collections overall for spring look strong and fabulous, each designer offers a unique and eclectic style. Happy shopping, it’s time to get spring wardrobe underway!
