If you live or work in Chicago, you spend a lot of time thinking about what clothes you’re gonna wear—not because of vanity (well, maybe a little) but because the wrong choice could seriously ruin your day. On Friday, Nike opened a first-of-its-kind store inside its Michigan Avenue location that will help city explorers with that very problem.
NikeLab Chicago (only the eighth NikeLab store in the world) offers high-end outerwear that’s specifically designed for people on the go, whether commuting to the office, meeting friends for drinks or going for a jog. And in the Windy City, apparel that combines weather protection with versatility and comfort is worth its weight in gold—that's why these items aren't exactly cheap.
“The whole collection is designed for all conditions,” said fashion designer Errolson Hugh, whose NikeLab ACG collection premiered with the grand opening of NikeLab Chicago. Although not specifically designed with Chicago in mind, Hugh said the collection was built for the city. “I froze my ass off,” he said of his recent trip to Chicago for the collection’s premier. “Just from my one day of explorations here in the city, [ACG] will fit right in.”
The new NikeLab store, located on the fifth floor of Nike Chicago, is the only retail space in the area where consumers can purchase items in the new ACG collection. Everything from lightweight hiking boots (which feel more like running shoes) to jackets and hoodies with interior strap systems that allow wearers to easily shed layers when they head indoors are on display in the futuristic-looking space.
So, swing by, touch the merch and admire the hyper-modern aesthetic of the new store—just make sure you aren’t left out in the cold.
Photograph: Courtesy Nike
Photograph: Courtesy Nike
Photograph: Courtesy Nike
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