Blake Standard flagship store launches at Oakbrook Center

Women's clothing designer Pierre Colorado is planning to welcome shoppers at his flagship store at Oakbrook Center this weekend.

Colorado will talk with shoppers at his first shop, Blake Standard, from noon to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at his first clothing store at Oakbrook Center.

"I'll explain the brand and talk about how to put an outfit together," said Colorado, a native of New York.

He said he came to Chicago about five years ago to launch his clothing line now being sold in boutiques across the country.

The grand opening at the new shop will feature beverages and hors d'ouvres. Shoppers making a purchase will receive a free gift while supplies last.

Colorado, 40, worked for a variety of big name companies for 14 years before breaking out on his own. He was at Perry Ellis, Levi's and Abercrombie & Fitch while launching the Hollister line.

Mixing his passion with professional experience, the designer said Blake Standard is a contemporary women's sportswear line.

"It's a chic, contemporary, comfortable brand," he said.

The shop, which opened Oct. 1, features clothing for work, travel and events, the founder said. It's important to him that the garments, many of them cotton, don't require a lot of maintenance.

The wide array of shoppers range in age from 18 to 65, he added. He describes the pieces as "moderately priced." T-shirts go for $48, zip-up jackets are $96 and Alpaca blend sweaters are $142.

Colorado picked Oakbrook Center for his debut store because of the demographics and the mix of retailers found at the outdoor mall. The founder hopes to open additional stores in the near future.