The Peter Millar store in Chicago, designed by Jeffrey Hutchison & Associates, introduces a new retail concept developed to guide the brand’s identity over the coming decade. Located at 675 North Rush Street, the project combines contemporary retail design with architectural references inspired by some of Chicago’s most influential buildings.
Founded in 2001, Peter Millar is defined by craftsmanship, premium materials and refined menswear. The new store translates these values into a physical environment where architecture, finishes and display systems reinforce the brand experience.
The retail layout combines an open entrance with a private shopping environment
The approximately 3,000-square-foot store is organised into two distinct areas.
The front hall is conceived as an open retail space overlooking the Chicago streetscape through large windows. Grey-washed wood flooring, ribbed timber wall panels and soft accent uplighting establish a calm, contemporary atmosphere while supporting the presentation of the collections.
Toward the rear of the store, the layout becomes more intimate, creating a private shopping environment with a dedicated area for custom tailoring.
Chicago architecture shapes the interior design language
Jeffrey Hutchison draws inspiration from the work of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Louis Sullivan, translating elements of Chicago’s architectural heritage into a contemporary retail environment.
The ceiling offers a modern interpretation of the traditional coffered ceiling. Recessed lighting coves and softly curved cornice details reference the decorative language associated with Sullivan’s architecture.
The furniture and display fixtures reinterpret Mies van der Rohe’s principle of “form follows function” through clean geometries, restrained detailing and a close relationship between function and visual clarity.
Materials and display systems highlight the Peter Millar collections
Minimal lines are combined with sleek automotive paint finishes in different colours and acrylic blocks. These elements create a precise visual backdrop designed to emphasise the colours and materials of the Peter Millar collections.
Modern decorative objects, paintings and black-and-white photographs of Chicago architecture are distributed throughout the store, reinforcing the relationship between the retail interior and the city’s architectural identity.
The fitting rooms extend the material identity of the store
The fitting rooms combine soft furnishings, brass hardware and navy-blue raffia wallcovering. The material palette creates a more intimate setting while maintaining continuity with the overall retail concept.