The best part of a spankin’ new Bucktown boutique? The introduction of new designers to Chicago. This is especially true for Roslyn, 2035 North Damen, (773)489-1311, a new upscale shop. Owner Rosie Dulyapaibul’s fashion-world experience includes stints buying and merchandising at J. Crew and Abercrombie and Fitch, so her eyes and ears are finely tuned to emerging young designers, whose work is now available at her store.
Dulyapaibul takes the rising talent seriously. A framed profile of each designer hangs on the wall near his or her clothes—sort of like a fashion art gallery. While the whole of Roslyn’s stock embodies femininity, class and comfort—a philosophy reflected in the shop’s laidback décor—each of the designers that Dulyapaibul introduces to Chicago bring something new to the scene.
Here are two of Roslyn’s biggest up-and-comers: If you buy a garment from Liz McClean, there’s no question that it’s one-of-a-kind. McClean’s Brooklyn apartment doubles as her studio, and the 28-year-old FIT grad hand-dyes each garment in her kitchen sink. Using silks and jerseys, the garments drape long and loose—ideal for topping off those new skinny jeans. And with the light fabrics revealing the slightest bit of skin beneath them, McClean’s pieces exude sexiness without a trying-too-hard vibe.
Though Parson’s grad Miranda Bennett’s fall 2006 collection is her debut, her work is like that of an old pro. Bennett’s tops, tunics and baby doll dresses are all crafted from double-layered silk. Her look is feminine (think ruffled detailing) with a modern take (each garment comes with a sash). The colors are rich, the clothes are built to last season after season and the look is classic enough to pull it off.
With about fifteen labels on display, Rosie’s focus is on the young talent out of New York City, though she hopes to incorporate designers from LA and Paris eventually. Dulyapaibul orders no more than four of each style, so you definitely won’t see your favorite party dress on another girl. And since she plans on the arrival of new pieces every three weeks, those far-too-frequent stop-ins will definitely pay off. (Molly Each)
