Ikram Goldman's Chicago Shortlist: Fashion Icon's Guide to Art, Food, and Culture
In Surface Magazine, Ikram Goldman, a fashion retailer from Chicago and a former stylist for Michelle Obama, shares her favorite local destinations. She suggests dining at Avec for its renowned sausage-wrapped dates and at Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar for its spicy peanut noodles. Goldman appreciates the authentic vibe of Pilsen, where her best friend has resided for over 20 years, and admires its murals and local shops. For artistic inspiration, she points to Gertie and artists like Theaster Gates and Nick Cave. She also mentions the Obama Presidential Center, which showcases works by Gates, Jenny Holzer, Idris Khan, and Carrie Mae Weems, and recommends the Harris Theater for performances. For cocktails, she enjoys the Aviary, referring to it as the 'couture of clubs.' Goldman operates her store, Ikram, with a 'servant's heart.'
Key facts
- Ikram Goldman has run her eponymous Gold Coast boutique for 26 years.
- She was Michelle Obama's 'secret stylist' and helped forge her early fashion image.
- Goldman recommends Avec for farm-to-table dining with communal wood benches.
- Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar is praised for sophisticated, playful Chinese-American food.
- Pilsen is her favorite neighborhood, known for murals, local Mexican restaurants, vintage shops, and record stores.
- Gertie is a contemporary art space she recommends for current art in Chicago.
- The Obama Presidential Center includes commissioned works by Theaster Gates, Jenny Holzer, Idris Khan, and Carrie Mae Weems.
- The Aviary is her favorite bar, described as the 'couture of clubs'.
Entities
Artists
- Ikram Goldman
- Michelle Obama
- Theaster Gates
- Nick Cave
- Jenny Holzer
- Idris Khan
- Carrie Mae Weems
Institutions
- Ikram
- Avec
- Publican
- Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar
- Gertie
- Obama Presidential Center
- Harris Theater
- The Aviary
Locations
- Chicago
- Gold Coast
- Pilsen
- Lincoln Park