Wolfbait & B-girls: A showcase for Chicago designers
Opened in April, 2006 by two fashion designers, Wolfbait & B-girls was far ahead of the produce and buy local movement now gaining a stronghold nationally. Named for terminology used in Chicago Confidential, a 1950s guidebook to Chicago, the shop located in the up-and-coming Logan Square neighborhood of the city, sells everything from jewelry to clothing to art and soaps--all made by Chicago artists.
Wolfbait is slang for the women who came to the city in that era, B-girls, the bad girls they could become.
Jenny Stadler, who designs clothing line Brazen Judy and Shirley Kienitz who designs Bruiser, met when both were trying to get their lines into local boutiques. Savvy both in their work as well as outlook, the women teamed to open Wolfbait and have sold the work of more than 125 artists, many who went on to expanding their lines. Merchandise can change week-to-week, making this small but mighty shop worth frequent visits. Now a staple of Logan Square, an area alive with shops and restaurants, Wolfbait has garnered a large following, both locally and across the nation.
Dropping in on Wolfbait isn't a stuffy experience. It's akin to the corner tavern with locals stopping in to chat with the owners. Stadler and Kienitz are usually on hand and will point out their newest pieces. Now so much a part of the cityscape that Wolfbait even has coffee named after the store. Innovative down to their merchandising and display, Stadler and Novack schedule workshops and trunk shows. A recent month-long workshop was in how to make a resin pendant and for $30 the class titled Booze, Schmooze n' Craft include materials and libations.
Economists and business-watchers say that a difficult economy ignites the imagination of society's creatives. And when lit, new and smaller businesses are formed. Hats (Wolfbait carries some made from men's ties) off to Stadler and Kienitz for their insight and instincts. Inventory includes handmade soaps, t-shirts, rings, necklaces, skirts, dresses, children's clothing, cards and prints. What's more both Stadler and Kienitz make their clothing in the shop, so it's not unusual to walk in while one or the other cuts a pattern or is running fabric through a sewing machine.
HelloChicago Tip: Spools of thread, measuring tapes, scissors and bolts of fabric are all part of Wolfbait's amazingly splashy and fun decor. Dare stop to window shop and they've gotcha.
Posted by Lori Rotenberk
