Giorgio Armani

Armani himself collaborated with architect Claudio Silvestrin to design his kind of clean, modern and minimal retail expression for the Windy City. The boutique, relocated from Oak Street to North Michigan Ave., houses the Giorgio Armani collections for men and women, Armani's Classico Collection and a full range of accessories for both sexes.

In November, doors opened on what the company calls “a timeless yet accessible” environment. Occupying two floors and 9000 square feet, the store is defined by cream-colored St. Maximin stone (a soft, compact material), which is used throughout the space. Visual interest is created with contrasting pale stone floors and walls, and the deep Macassar ebony and oxidized brass used on furniture and fixturing.

The sharp, rectilinear character of the space is accentuated in other elements, including the high-backed chairs. And small, square light cutouts (a pattern reflected overhead) cast individualized – and seemingly natural – illumination on Armani's offering.

Photography: Michael Weschler, Los Angeles