Jewelry Boutique Ippolita Opens Its First New Store in Chicago

Whatever else happened in 2020, it was a great year for jewelry. Gems became the saviors to our Zoom style—who cares about sweatpants when a pair of statement earrings takes center screen?—and designers seemed to flourish under these unusual circumstances. Ippolita, the eponymous jewelry brand of Ippolita Rostagno, is one such brand to embrace a new era. After 20 years Ippolita has opened the doors to its first boutique outside of its well-known flagship on New York City’s Madison Avenue. The new address is located on Chicago's iconic Magnificent Mile, the city's ultimate shopping destination, on the first floor of the 900 North Michigan Shops. With its doors having opened December 1, the boutique is ready for holiday shopping.

Since founding her company in 1999, Ippolita and her team have been trying to break down the barriers often associated with luxury jewelry shopping. To create a more interactive shopping experience, they removed the glass cases that are so ingrained in the traditional jewelry store setup in favor of an "open selling" method. Guests are now invited to try on pieces, touch the collection, and look as closely as they want (without the fear of having an embarrassing run in with glass). This retail design allows guests to transport themselves into an intimate jewelry box of sorts where they can fully experience the brand. To add to the effect, the store has been furnished with pieces from Ippolita's own luxury e-tailer Artemest, completing her vision for her company’s ethos and story.

Her pieces are the signature of many well-dressed women all over the world who want pieces that can go from day to night, are an extension of one’s style, and do not overtake the wearer’s ensemble (unless they are looking for a showstopper). Ippolita sees the Chicago woman as worldly, sophisticated, collector, whose personal style speaks for itself. She has tailored her new boutique for Chicagoans and visitors (hopefully soon) to the Windy City. Until we can stop in, here are our favorite pieces exclusive to Ippolita’s new shop.