Uniqlo landed on Chicago and made Everyone Basic
Uniqlo, a Japanese born retailer and brand, opened their first Midwest store on the Mag Mile last Friday. Their aesthetic can be summed up in four words: basic but never boring.
Months ago, I received a care package from them and was honestly underwhelmed by its contents; one white tank top, a catalog, and a polite introduction letter. Well, now I get it. Uniqlo is pushing the pieces we all need in our closets – not the temporarily trendy – and they’re doing it using high-quality materials meant to outlast hot washes, and frigid commutes; wear after wear.
Grand opening festivities began in November when the store hosted a series of 15 minute parties on the CTA. Train riders received emails detailing which platforms to hop on, and at what times. Cars were party ready, painted with the brand’s logo. If you follow Chicagoings on Periscope you saw local DJ Lani Love (a personal favorite) killing the music while pro dancers did their thing down the aisles. Riders took home prizes, candy, bottles of iced tea. It was surreal!
Last Thursday, a soft opening was held with musical guest Justine Skye (your little sister knows her), restaurateur and unofficial Mayor of Chicago Billy Dec, and America’s Next Top Model winner Jaslene Gonzalez (who wore Chicago designer Randall Hill). Guests mingled, shopped, sipped sake, and shopped some more. Find photos from the event on our Instagram.
Saturday and Sunday, the store took the party to the streets with a two-day semi-festival where even more prizes and gifts were doled out.
I’ve asked around and apparently many of my friends not only know of Uniqlo but have been shopping their racks for years. I’m late but definitely foresee returning for essential pieces.
Top Secret Concert atop the Hyatt
Hyatt Centric, a new boutique-y hotel brand and concept, collaborated with iHeartRadio to put on a secret concert Friday, October 23rd. Hosted by Fred+Angi of 103.5 KISS FM, about 200 guests were gathered for drinks, appetizers, and an exclusive, private show by a multi-platinum artist. Who was it? Guess….
No.
Nope.
Uh-uh.
It was Shaggy! ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Mr. Boombastic showed up and showed out, singing his hits and a few songs from an upcoming album.
How was your weekend? Been in Uniqlo yet? What do you think?
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