Brothers Marco and Brian Lopez opened Black Market Caviar on Chicago Ave (in Ukrainian Village, East Village, West Town, South Wicker Park, whatever) in December. On the outside, it looks like an urban style boutique, but the Lopez brothers are trying to build something that’s much more. With a press in the back, they’ve been able to cut out the middle man and fill the shop with short runs of original products alongside designs by local artists and vintage finds. more ›

Leaking tents and standing water don’t scream fashion show to us. However, on a dark and stormy Thursday night, damp was definitely “in” for the opening of the city-sponsored Fashion Focus Chicago. Fashionistas and photographers huddled in the moist tent in Millennium Park anticipating Chicago designer’s Spring 2010 collections for Macy’s. Before the show began, the presenters apologized for the rain, which had gotten to some of the garments backstage. “Wet is in for Spring,” they joked. The audience chuckled nervously. So what if some pant hems and shoes were a little wet? Well, we forgive them for the weather. But the clothing? That’s another story. more ›