As the saying says, “it’s all in the name.” And for this contemporary men’s and women’s boutique, the name exudes both the story and the sophistication behind the store, before even stepping in the door. Sir & Madame is a boutique and clothing line founded by husband-and-wife team Brian and Autumn Merritt. The Merritts, however, are no strangers to the Chicago fashion circuit. In 2006, they opened Solemates, which dished up street-smart footwear for those whose urban chic hailed from top to bottom.
They certainly mastered the art of the cool shoe, but closed the store down to embark on a new adventure, moving from their Lincoln Park location over to the even hipper Ukrainian Village. Autumn appreciates being able to “feed off the energy of other local businesses.” Regardless of the cachet of the neighborhood, Sir & Madame holds its own, oozing a sense of nostalgia mélanged with a modern sensibility, or as they call it “classic with a twist.”
The store is littered with retro wares, antique books and vintage steamer trunks galore. A well-vested mannequin sits beside an old typewriter. Brightly colored socks are served on a tea platter. A denim and leather cap rests atop a scale. While the store shares a title with its namesake clothing line, you will still find a range of labels available. There are leather and feather earrings made by a local designer and a gorgeous array of vintage sunglasses at the counter. The duo collaborated with a local style blogger to create a limited-edition canvas and suede/leather weekender bag; it will go perfectly with the belts found in the birdcage on the table. On the racks you will find his-and-hers screen-print tees, seersucker collared shirts for men, silk and denim reversible scarves for the ladies and plenty of fabulosity in the shoe department. The prices are reasonable, especially for designs boasting high-quality attention to details. The store is aimed perfectly at those who “don’t follow the trends”—these threads are for people who inject their own personality into the classic vogues of yesterday. Step into this lovely little boutique and Sir & Madame Merritt will undeniably woo you with their hospitality, their charm and, most importantly, their style. (Rhianna Jones)
