By: DeoVonte “Deo” Means

During a normal lunchtime connect, I was encouraged by a colleague to checkout the new Versace store that opened this past Sunday on Rush Street. Considering the legendary Donatella Versace personally paid a visit to Sunday’s event, I found myself intrigued. My excitement was stimulated not merely from the accessibility of a brand that I’ve been loyal to for years, yet from the variables centered on their reemergence into the city. It’s been over 20 years since the business-line has had a freestanding boutique or presence in Chicago. Many of the city’s fashion elite gasped in shock when they discovered the return of the iconic brand. Most felt after the 1997 murder of the House founder Gianni Versace and Chicago’s power broker Lee Miglin – at the hands of Andrew Cunanan– that perhaps the brand would never return. Versace’s return speaks volumes about Chicago’s growing dominance in the profit driven world of luxury goods and should be applauded.

The two story store stayed true to brand identity of baroque opulence but has matured into a more modern touch. Marble flooring and floor to ceiling windows allows the space to serve as back drop to the pops of color given by the product. This allows the merchandise to allure you like a child in a heavenly candy store.  The store is home to the men’s, women, home and accessory collections.   Of course a nice Versace suit is always a pleasure to look at, but I found myself more transfixed to the breathtakingly stunning collection of men’s fashion jewelry. A suit can be worn only once every few years. But Versace jewelry can repeatedly worn and immediately increase the face value of any well put together outfit by 1000! I can smell a Versace cocktail ring in my near future lol. The clientele specialist are warm and engaging but don’t expect anyone with cartoonish butts or colorful hair to assist you. No, these women are elegant and refined ambassadors of the brand. I enjoyed myself and can most definitely picture this as a spot where one will presumably bump into a pro athlete, entertainer, socialite or fashionisto while browsing during the summer. Check them out. You won’t be disappointed…Welcome to Chicago Versace!!! …Cheers…Deo

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