The New Bigger, Badder, Bolder Barneys

Apparently the Chicago location of Barneys New York is all grown up. In order to house all of its luxurious retail wonders, the store needed a bit more room -- about 38,000 square feet more, to be exact. The new 90,000-square-foot location, situated across from the old store, opens to the public on Thursday, April 16, with champagne and doughnuts for all from 10AM to 7PM.

The enhanced retail experience starts with the building itself -- a classical structure that pays tribute to Chicago's schools of architecture. The store boasts an enticing glass exterior and an open floor plan, perfect for afternoons spent browsing. Speaking of which, the famed Barneys shoe salon will grow from 1,200 square feet to 4,000, which means more Louboutins to drool over (plus a larger stockroom). In terms of fashion, more real estate will be dedicated to the Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Lanvin and Givenchy collections, while Barneys exclusive (and eye-poppingly cool) Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle display, featuring a smattering of glass columns and lipstick red chambers where customers can sample scents, will make its Chicago debut.

Shoppers will also find a men's tailoring department and another Chicago Co-Op location, offering less expensive lines, on the third and fourth floors of the six-story structure. On the penthouse level will be an outpost of Fred's, the iconic restaurant at Barneys Madison Avenue store, which will feature a lovely terrace dotted with trees (it is a green roof, after all). And, of course, look for the quirky, memorable window displays Barneys is known for, now housed in a curvaceous five-story window. The first set will feature Barneys creative director Simon Doonan's tableau of Barack Obama portraits drawn by local kids.

Barneys New York, 15 E. Oak St., 312-587-1700

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