Malabar

Latin Flair in the Heart of Bucktown 

How does Malabar manage to stand out – even in the hip, edgy Bucktown neighborhood where it seems every other boutique carries unusual pieces by up-and-coming designers? First of all, many of the labels carried in Malabar are not only exclusive to Chicago; they're unique to the whole country.   

Owner Claudia Kleiner is a native of Venezuela, and she stocks many South American designers alongside American labels like Betsey Johnson, Castle Starr, and Central Park West. This buying strategy results in a merchandise mix that combines elegant European lines, American trends, and more than a little bit of Latin va-va-voom.  

    

Secondly, the boutique's unique layout – three floors of fashionable pieces connected by two winding staircases (the space formerly belonged to an architectural firm) is more reminiscent of a hip urban loft than a boutique, and so is the relaxed environment that Claudia's created; shoppers are encouraged to come in and hang out (and have a mimosa or two on Sunday afternoons). In fact, the shop has received rave reviews for its hospitable atmosphere and the staff’s helpful and friendly customer service   

The boutique is named after the Malabar flower, a white blossom with a heady fragrance similar to a gardenia that, like its owner, has a South American origin. “I named my boutique after the flower because it's beautiful and because it was my grandmother's favorite.” There's a portrait of her grandmother in Malabar, along with fresh flowers and other small touches that lend the clean, contemporary space its warmth and personality.  

It's only fitting that the merchandise is just as unique as the other aspects of Malabar. “I don't reorder items very often, so when things are gone, they're gone.” She does, however, get new pieces in often, and regularly plays host to trunk shows for local designers like Cyndi Chan and Diego Rocha.  

Some of the many lines that Claudia carries include casual and evening looks from fellow Venezuelan Angel Sanchez (winner of the 1998 Gold Coast Fashion Award and Claudia's distant cousin, he's best known for designing stunning “red carpet”gowns for stars like Sandra Bullock, Eva Longoria, and Giselle Bundchen). Plus slinky tops and cocktail dresses from local favorite Orlando Espinoza, and Claudia’s own line of sexy beaded Brazilian bikinis and modern jewelry made from quartz, coral, and other organic materials.   

The accessory options at Malabar are bold and varied, ranging from animal print peep-toe pumps by Oh Deer to colorful handmade beaded jewelry from several designers, such as Claudia Lobato, who has designed jewelry for the stars of Desperate Housewives.  

The men aren't left out of the loop at Malabar, however. There is a small but carefully edited selection of menswear featuring casual wear from Penguin Black Label, sweaters by Max Taylor, and printed button-downs by Nexo. Accessory options include cuff links and wallets crafted from fabric composed of stainless steel by Steward/Sand.

 

Malabar Chicago is located in Bucktown at: 

1880 N. Damen Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
773.321.6685

www.malabarboutique.com

 

 

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – J. Zenn.
 
We recommend checking with stores for product availability. Suggested prices may change without notice. SeeMore Shopping strives for accuracy, but is not responsible for errors or omissions.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. SeeMoreShopping incurs all expenses associated with reviews. Publ.  06/07.