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From world-class art to locally designed jewelry, we’ve tracked down the best shopping in the world’s coolest cities. Find that last-minute holiday gift, or take home something memorable for yourself.
The Draw: The hottest names in fashion (Alexander McQueen, Lanvin, Narciso Rodriguez, and many, many more) can be found at Ikram, the trend-setting boutique owned by style maven and woman-about-town Ikram Goldman. The Scene: Located in the Gold Coast just off Michigan Avenue, Ikram retains an in-the-know hush while remaining in the forefront of Chicago style. Thought-provoking store displays and artsy design elements (bronze scrollwork pieces, contemporary light fixtures, arched doorways) beautifully toe the line between boutique and art gallery. Fashionistas flock here to find looks straight off the pages of Vogue as soon as they arrive, including clothing, accessories, and shoes. Hot Tip: Ikram isn’t all about the latest in cutting-edge fashion. The boutique also stocks a well-thought-out selection of high-end vintage jewelry that Goldman sources from around the world.
The Draw: Merz Apothecary was opened in 1875 by Peter Merz, a Chicago pharmacist of Swiss descent. To this day, the store carries a selection of herbal and homeopathic remedies, aromatherapy items, and natural bath and body products from around the world. The Scene: Located in the historically German neighborhood of Lincoln Square, Merz Apothecary has a distinctive European ambience. A hand-carved wooden exterior, leaded glass windows, a tin ceiling, parquet floors, and antique pharmacy jars on display offer an Old World look. Regulars pick up their usual orders, while tourists browse the racks of exotic candles and cosmetics. Hot Tip: In town and forgot your Swedish Bitters, Bach Rescue Remedy, or Neti pot? You’ll find it (and lots more) at Merz. The apothecary’s e-commerce site (smallflower.com) will keep you in stock once you’re back home, too. The site even features a “Bath of the Month” club that will send new bath products to your doorstep, as well as a shop-by-scent feature that allows you to find products based on their smell, from the familiar (lavender, vanilla) to the truly out-there (artichoke, yucca).
Orange Skin
223 W. Erie St., 312-335-1033 orangeskin.com
The Draw: Opened in 2001 by two architects with a passion for bringing good design to the public, Orange Skin has become Chicago’s go-to destination for modern international furniture and home accessories. The Scene: Set in River North, Chicago’s design-centric neighborhood, Orange Skin is surrounded by stylish galleries and boutiques. The open, airy, loft-like space allows plenty of light to pour in from floor-to-ceiling windows to best showcase the store’s selection. Orange Skin carries the collections of designers from Italy, Austria, Turkey, England, and beyond. Famous names include Philippe Starck, Marc Newson, and Michael Graves.
Hot Tip: In addition to carrying everything from furniture and accent pieces, to kitchen and bath fixtures, to lighting, Orange Skin also offers design services ranging from space planning and color concepts to rentals for movies, TV shows, and photo shoots.
