Venturing into an unexplored market, luxury fashion house Balenciaga inaugurated its first standalone store in Illinois, Chicago.
Situated at 15 East Oak Street, the 641-sq m, two-level store showcases Balenciaga’s distinctive Raw Architecture concept. This design approach intentionally leaves surfaces untreated and incorporates unique details such as rough edges, free-standing partitions, and a blend of materials. By exposing existing structural elements and minimising the use of new materials, the construction process highlights the building's history.
The store features expansive brushed concrete floors, reminiscent of sidewalk tiles, and walls made of concrete or cement board panels, creating a distinctive indoor/outdoor feel. A large luminous ceiling illuminates key areas, including the shoe section, staircase, and fitting rooms. This radiance is enhanced by suspended ceiling mesh, industrial lighting systems, and other technical fixtures throughout the store.
The interior design evokes a warehouse or studio ambiance, with hot rolled metal tables, angel hair-finish metal shelving, and hanging pipe racks. Seating is upholstered in recycled leather, while underlit shelving, smoked glass panels, inlaid carpet, and high-definition screens add warmth and modernity.
The store features Balenciaga’s latest collections, including men’s and women’s ready-to-wear, shoes, bags, accessories, eyewear, and jewelry.
This opening comes after the debut of a three-floor flagship store in the newly rebuilt Toraya Ginza Building in Ginza, Tokyo, last month.
