Blake

High fashion for those with money to burn
Talk of the town: The eponymous Blake was a former roommate, whose moniker was chosen by owners Marilyn Blaszka and Dominic Marcheschi due to their own complicated names.

You can tell Blake is cool because it doesn’t even announce its presence there’s no sign above the door, no clothes in the window, just a minimal metal sculpture to signal this fashion-forward boutique’s unparalleled selection of frocks from European designers, including Dries Van Noten, Marni, Margiela, Chloe and Balenciaga.
Still going strong after 20 years and resolutely old-school (no website), the store’s sleek lines and cool monotones take some of the heat out of the prices. Having moved from its Lincoln Park premises to a former post office in the River North district, shoppers no longer have to endure the intimidating ritual of buzzing and waiting to be let in – but there’s still the matter of the somewhat chilly staff once you’re inside the hallowed doors.