On November 29th, Burberry celebrated the opening of their Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue with an over-the-top celebration.

The night was a physical and digital experience with a mix of British music and London-inspired weather, showcasing projections of Chicago’s very own landmarks, as well as a Chicago-focused ad campaign featuring notable Chicagoans —The Art of the Trench. “This city really has the most wonderful creative energy running through it and tonight was our chance to celebrate that,” added the event host Christopher Bailey, Burberry’s Chief Creative Officer.

In the heart of downtown Chicago, some of the most inspiring Chicagoans came out for the party wearing some of their favorite Burberry pieces. Guests included actor Billy Zane, former Chicago Bears player Jerry Azumah, makeup artist Shannon O’Brien and Chicago’s Best, Brittney Payton.

Excitement for the opening could be seen from Michigan Avenue. Male models with umbrellas flanked the entrance at 633 North Michigan Avenue in pure British style. Guests and notables walked the beige carpet before coming into the fête where Burberry’s five floors were packed to the brim with familiar faces, all enjoying flowing champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres by Entertaining Company. Guests enjoyed a surprise live performance by British musician Carl Barat from the Libertines. After, DJ Matt Roan kept the music pumping as partygoers celebrated throughout the night. The store itself is massive (16,800 sq.ft.) and stunning, from the black chrome plaid façade to each and every level of crave-worth shopping featuring men’s, women’s, accessories, baby and even cosmetics.  It’s a true shopper’s paradise.

In addition to the showcase of landmarks and Chicago-inspired images, guests also enjoyed the Art of the Trench platform, which is where they viewed world-renowned image-makers wearing the famous trench coats on oversized digital screens, including some of our favorite local tastemakers like social scene blogger Candace Jordan, photographers Maria Ponce Berre, Billy Rood and Victor Skrebneski, and Chef Art Smith. You can view the worldwide campaign at ArtoftheTrench.com.

The Burberry Foundation partnered with the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation to create $2.2 million in funding to support the Chicago Hive Learning Network to celebrate the opening. Funding will help to organize and inspire young people in Chicago with creative and artistic skill.

-Carmen Chapa and Melissa Maynard
*Photos courtesy of Burberry. Top: Burberry Michigan Avenue, Opening night. Bottom: Guests check out Art of the Trench Campaign; Elise Bergman and Jessyca Dudley; Libertines performance; Actor Billy Zane; Victor Skrebneski; Shannon O’Brien, Elisse LaRoche; Nena Ivon; Chai Lee and Shannon O’Brien celebrate the launch of the Burberry Chicago Flagship