Saks’ Chicago flagship to debut in-store men’s shop
Saks Fifth Avenue will unveil its renovated men’s store in its Chicago flagship on Michigan Avenue in January of the new year. The renovation will encompass a total redesign of floors six and seven, creating an open environment that will be easily accessed by a new express elevator that will take passengers directly to the men’s floors.
Saks is calling its new in-store men’s shop The Fifth Man, short for “The Saks Fifth Avenue Man.” Designed by Saks Fifth Avenue in collaboration with luxury retail designers Jeffery Hutchison & Associates, the renovated space will be home to commissioned, revolving art installations, high-end amenities and more. Nine large floor-to ceiling-vitrines are strategically placed on both floors, spotlighting collection highlights. Both floors are softened with residential-style touches including mixed-oak plank flooring from the Netherlands, mid-century modern architectural touches, and an eclectic collection of classic and contemporary furniture.
The sixth floor will feature a classic and clubby environment with a warm, rich material pallet of brass and bronze metals, cerused oak and handmade wall coverings inspired by men’s suiting fabrics. The offerings will include an ever-evolving assortment of luxury brands, the latest prototype shop for the exclusive Saks Fifth Avenue Men’s Collection, and a customized area for made-to-measure suiting. Other highlights include an expansive new shoe shop that extends through an open ceiling linking floors six and seven.
The seventh floor will be a contemporary environment inspired by the great modern architecture pioneers of Chicago such as Mies Van der Rohe and Gordon Bunshaft of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill with materials and details that allude to industrial media. Raw and blackened steel, gray cerused oak and wall coverings feel inspired by the machine age.
The space on seven will include designer sportswear and a revamped denim offering. It will also feature a new restaurant and bar, called Sophie’s, which will boast expansive views of the Magnificent Mile. The new restaurant was inspired by American fashion designer Sophie Gimbel, the iconic arbiter of style at Saks for nearly 40 years. Award-winning architect Andre Kikoski was selected to create the sleek, contemporary design that will define the Sophie’s aesthetic.
“Saks is thrilled to offer our customers exciting new lifestyle shopping experiences all under one roof,” says Tom Ott, SVP and GMM for men’s, home and gifts at Saks Fifth Avenue. “The greatly expanded men’s shoe salon, the deeper focus on designer and denim and the open shopping environment are sure to make Chicago’s Fifth Man a unique shopping destination.”