Mireya Acierto

Phaiz

673 N. Milwaukee
312-226-9070
phaizchicago.com

January 3, 2007

Although it sounds like it yet another expensive sneaker shop, this boutique-gallery hybrid is actually a showcase for the work of local designer Robin Kyle, who once had a line at Henri Bendel and used to create pieces for Ultimo’s house label. She puts together a collection of one-of-a-kind hand-sewn designs based on a theme and displays them against a backdrop of work by an artist chosen in collaboration with Lauren Pacheco and Peter Kepha of the Bridgeport art gallery 32nd & Urban. The collection and art turn over once a month. Until January 17, the space features “Backtalk,” Kyle’s fur and feather creations, including a little collar of gray swakara and chinchilla adorned with a matching fabric flower ($900), a massive wreath of rooster feathers ($300), and a wrap of embroidered obi fabric topped with purple fox that manages to look both demure and over-the-top ($3,500). The accompanying art, by Kepha, has a strong graffiti and street influence, an intentional contrast to the ladylike aesthetic of Kyle’s garments. Every “phase” will also feature a selection of more affordable items; right now there are splatter-painted tees for $35. The shop takes advantage of crowds at nearby restaurants with evening hours: Wednesday-Friday 5-10 PM, Saturday 1-10 PM, and Sunday 1-5 PM. —Heather Kenny

Belmont Army Lakeview 855 W. Belmont	Phaiz West Town 673 N. Milwaukee	Andersonville Galleria Andersonville 5247 N. Clark	2 Sisters West Loop 1167 W. Madison
Golden Age Pilsen 1500 W. 17th	Pivot West Town 1101 W. Fulton	Charlotte Russe Loop 10 S. State	Renegade Handmade Wicker Park 1924 W. Division
Gray Old Town 1361 N. Wells	Florodora South Loop 330 S. Dearborn	A.Okay Official Lakeview 3720 N. Clark	Intermix Gold Coast 40 E. Delaware
Bess & Loie West Loop 1015 W. Lake	Gamma Player Wicker Park 2035 W. Division	Malabar Bucktown 1880 N. Damen	Mia Mora Logan Square 2639 W. Fullerton
Roslyn Bucktown 2035 N. Damen	Ouest West Loop 1063 W. Madison	Kaveri Lincoln Park 1211 W. Webster	Lissa on Maxwell University Village 729 W. Maxwell
TK Men Bucktown 1909 W. North	MNG by Mango Downtown Water Tower Place	Doggy Style Pet Shop Wicker Park 2023 W. Division	Sweden Shop Albany Park 3304 W. Foster
Permanent Records Ukranian Village 1914 W. Chicago	Michelle Tan Wicker Park 1872 N. Damen	Akira Bucktown 1814 W. North

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