Koros Art + Style
1019 W. Lake
312-738-0155
Is West Lake Street going the way of New York’s meatpacking district? Though until recently its next-door neighbor was a bakery equipment shop, the block where six-month-old luxury boutique Koros Art + Style is located is getting dotted with Range Rovers rather than forklifts. Inside, the cavernous space resembles a church–perhaps dedicated to the Greek goddess of extravagant joy from which the shop takes its name–with soaring ceilings, iron chandeliers, and antiques that include a wooden altar from London and a set of six sinks from a convent, now used to display denim. Owner Kristen Skordilis offers a rigorously edited collection of quality basics, party frocks, and high-end accessories like sleek, sculptural clutches of laminated wood by Tivi. A pair of superflattering black Alvin Valley trousers will set you back $242, though Skordilis makes the case that unlike the four pairs of black pants that never leave your closet you’ll actually wear these. There are also floaty kimono tops and caftans in watery green, blue, and purple prints by Mustique-based designer Lotty B. and luxurious Creo Care hair products. Skordilis goes out of her way to make customers feel welcome, offering glasses of wine to browsers and inviting them to events featuring the artists whose work she exhibits in the front of the store.
Art accompanying story in printed newspaper (not available in this archive): photo/Mireya Acierto.