Back in October I kicked off a marathon of work based travel (actually technically this was the second leg after a few days in Seattle) with a trip to Chicago. UNIQLO were opening their first MidWest store right in the heart of Michigan Avenue, so naturally my team and I had to be there to support and create a flurry of influencer related buzz and content.
VIP and Grand Opening
From top to bottom: The new store on Michigan Avenue | The traditional sake barrel ceremony | Justine Skye performing | Rockie Fresh sampling some sake | Rockie Fresh and UNIQLO marketing manager Natalie Harwood | My superstar team for the trip – in a fun twist my team consisted of Emily (former/always will be Stylesmith team member), my long distance bestie, Dara, and Laura (who has recently graduated from intern to a permanent Stylesmith position – yay Laura!) | Larry Meyer, Rahm Emmanuel, Billy Dec and other notables gather for the ribbon cutting | The ribbon cutting | Taiko drummers in Water Tower Place | Insta-famous nail artist Spifster doing free nail art | UNIQLO staff greeting shoppers | The Chicago Luv-A-Bulls (Chicago Bulls cheerleaders) cheering on the opening.
Shooting with Sportsanista
To celebrate the opening we joined forces with Chicago based influencer, Mary of The Sportsanista. Mary took us, and UNIQLO’s Snapchat followers, on a tour round some of her favourite Chicago spots.
From top to bottom: We kicked off our tour with hot tea and pretty pastries at Pierrot Gourmet | Giant Macaron at Pierrot Gourmet | Graffiti at Oak Street Beach | Yoga at Oak Street Beach | Views of Downtown from Oak Street Beach | Mary wearing Lemaire x UNIQLO at “The Bean” | A late lunch at Stephanie Izzard’s Little Goat | Hanging out in the West Loop.
Stylesmith Shenanigans
Because all work and no play makes the Stylesmith team dull girls… :)
From top to bottom: A night out with the team and Billy Dec at his club Underground | My reflection in the Bean | Opening night outfit: Theory dress and Cape and Custom Nike Internationalist sneakers | Dinner at Billy Dec’s Sunda | Matching my manicure to my macaron | Downtown Chicago | Laura in the elevator | Stylesmith team getting blown away at Oak Street Beach | Me at the Oak Street Beach graffiti wearing Band of Outsiders shirt, Victoria’s Secret jeans and Willow and Clay jacket.
Kelsi x