Bebe Store Opening

If you thought Bebe’s legacy would end with Ally McBeal, take a look at the bold logo above Chicago’s newest and largest retail space yet.

A chic crowd of fashionistas celebrated Bebe’s marquee flagship opening on Oak Street last Thursday. Co-sponsored by Vogue, the event supported SAIC’s recently unveiled Sage Studios, a 25,000 square-foot addition to one of the oldest Fashion Design departments in the nation.

Earlier that evening at SAIC’s “Behind the Seams” event (very Project Runway), Bebe CEO Gregory Scott gave three $1,500 awards to showcased seniors well on their way to join ranks with the likes of alum Halston and Cynthia Rowley. “Bebe has always recognized bold and innovative style, and we are proud to help foster the next generation of design talent here in Chicago,” said Scott. “With our new retail space on Oak Street, we are excited to expand our presence in such a fashion-driven city.”

Live models on platforms scattered throughout the three-story boutique welcomed attendees of the party. The creamy marble floors were packed with an eclectic mix of designers, Factio readers and industry insiders who helped themselves to “Bebelinis,” white wine, and delicate sashimi hors d'oeuvres while lining up to try the main attraction – the clothes, which was more fun to peruse while listening to the pulsating sounds courtesy of Fig Media's DJ Megan Taylor.
The store’s exclusive Mykonos-themed selection is an unexpected whirlwind of color, and unlike any other Bebe collection to date. The first floor is a shrine to glossy accessories and gloriously high gladiator heels. Wind up the staircase for feminine trenches, blouses, and high-waisted pencil skirts. And no Bebe store is complete without its classic logo apparel, for which the entire third floor is dedicated.

Particularly eye-catching is the emphasis on delicate, flowy silhouettes, as exemplified by the store assistants wrapped in floor-length silk maxis of every vivid print imaginable.

The evening’s festivities continued at the post-party, held at premier nightspot Underground, where guests enjoyed VIP access and complimentary martinis.

As the largest and most extravagant boutique in Manny Mashouf’s $500-million empire, the “stylish but sensual” Bebe opens its doors and makes her glamorous presence known to North Michigan Avenue’s exclusive fête of Chicago’s fabulously fashion-forward.

Bebe is located at 109 E. Oak St. On the web, visit www.bebe.com.

*Photos by Bob Carl.
1. A model wearing a look designed by an SAIC student designer.
2. Host Katrina Markoff (owner/chocolatier of Vosges Haut Chocolat), Bebe CEO Greg Scott and Host Zoraida Sambolin (NBC on-air personality).
3. Models wearing Bebe spring looks at the opening party.
-Grace Bahk