Six Chicago-centric Wares
If Milton Glaser, creator of the iconic I Heart NY emblem, taught us anything, it's that marrying hometown pride with impeccable design can have genius results. These six Chicago-centric wares for your home and wardrobe pick up where he left off--and are a darn cute way to show off your love of our Midwestern metropolis.
Keep your home close to your heart in the form of a personalized silver Illinois pendant and chain from Chicago-based jewelry designer Stevie Koerner. Koerner, who was born in Michigan, took inspiration from the state's decidedly hand-like shape to launch her line Truche (imakeshinythings.com). Now she crafts her signature handmade pendants into small silhouettes of U.S. states, or any country. And despite her Michigan roots, it was her transition to the Windy City that kept her creativity flowing. "Chicago really inspires me--the live music scene, the amazing vintage shopping and the city's collaborative creative community," she says. "Now, this is home." First launched on Etsy in 2005, Truche is now available in shops throughout the country.
$50, available at imakeshinythings.com
Neighborhood Screen Print by Ork Posters
Behold, the deceptively simple original that spawned a spate of imitators and one very successful biz for Chi-town designer Jenny Beorkrem, who first created the prototype for this poster for her own walls in 2007. Today she's typographically mapped out more than 15 cities, with more on the way.
$35, available at orkposters.com
CTA Green Line Pillow by Zerobird Studio
A handprinted cotton pillow backed with wool pays homage to every Chicagoan's favorite mode of transport, the El.
$35, available at Renegade Handmade, 1924 W. Division St., Chicago, 773-227-2707, renegadehandmade.com
Illinois State Bracelet by Kris Nations
Another way to wear your love for the 'Nois: Designer Kris Nations' delicate, typographic, recycled 14 karat gold-plated pendant hangs on a 6.5-inch chain.
$45, available at maxandchloe.com
Chicago Poster by The Heads of State
Iconic imagery--the Hancock building rising above the expanse of Lake Michigan--packs a wallop of Windy City wow in this five-color silkscreen.
$30, available at theheadsofstate.com
Hand-screen-printed in designer Megan Owdom-Weitz's Berwyn studio, this super-soft American Apparel scoopneck puts a whimsical city spin on a casual closet staple, the cozy tee. $28, available at meganleedesigns.com
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