Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Style
Henri Bendel returns—but in a slightly different incarnation
Posted
By Heather Kenny
on 08.16.11 at 10:59 AM

- henribendel.com
- The Centennial Stripe Foldover Clutch, featuring Bendel's signature stripes, $175
When the
Henri Bendel store at 900 N. Michigan closed in 1998, the company missed out on nearly a decade of a growing appetite for luxury shopping as exclusive boutiques proliferated around the city. Now the New York-based retailer is trying again:
it'll reopen at Water Tower Place in November. But this time around, things are slightly different: the store no longer offers clothing, just handbags, leather goods, jewelry, candles, and other accessories created under the company label. While the company's iconic brown-and-white striped bags have definite cachet out east, it remains to be seen whether the brand can overcome a relative lack of recognition and history here in Chicago.
Tags: Henri Bendel, Water Tower Place, Image