Public I

An “I” for Fashion   

A trip to this well-appointed shop is like delving into the closet of a stylish friend, if that friend loves to travel and has an equally style-conscious husband. Public I has been offering well-selected clothing to Chicagoans for 11 years – originally in Lakeview and now on the increasingly hot stretch of West Division Street in Wicker Park.   

Public I has 20-20 vision when it comes to spotting the best selections of independent designer fashions for men and women, as well as stunning accessories, and an ever-growing collection of eclectic items for the savvy traveler.   

Owner Julia Knier carefully chooses each piece, and her friendly vibe is felt throughout the shop. The accommodating sales staff remembers prior purchases and will gladly call when new pieces come in, even putting aside a hot item for a regular customer.

Brian Knier, Julia’s husband and business partner, began adding travel items several years ago, and now the travel category has taken over both the front entry and back area of the store. Among the newest favorites are lightweight luggage in a variety of colors from International Traveler, laptop carriers in an ever-changing variety of seasonal patterns by Casauri, and fun messenger bags from Baggallini.   

   

Almost half of the shop’s floor space is dedicated to an impressive collection of menswear. Outstanding pieces include richly patterned shirts by Robert Graham, great fitting jeans from Agave, and softly stenciled tees by Kinetix. Hot for fall are Glenn plaid jackets with fiery red linings, and elegant French cuff shirts by Rufus. And for the bespoke crowd, MacHay shirts are cut to order by a designer who consults with Armani.   

The up-to-the-minute women’s collection includes Italian silk dresses from Rufus, cotton tees by Grassroots, can’t-live-without intimates from Cosabella and La Rok, and a great selection of separates from Ogle, including one of fall’s must-have tops, to be featured in People’s October style issue.  

Great gift items also abound here, from colorful leather travel accessories by Rowallan, to clever Urban Survival Kits, to the beautifully-scented, clean-burning Botanicus candles.  

 

Public I  

1923 W. Division St.
Chicago, IL
773.772.9088

www.publicifashion.com

 

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SeeMore Shopping Contributing Writer – L. Heller.
 
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.  08/07.