June Blaker
When she closed her namesake River North boutique in 2001, which was renowned for its collection of edgy Japanese couture and equally trenchant jewelry, bags and home accessories, June Blaker’s loyal following followed as she tried a few retailers on for size. She’s found the right fit for now at Oak Street’s George Greene, where the courtly elegance of the lair-like lower level is the perfect venue for her brand of forward-thinking eclecticism. She’s plying decorative accessories that tweak tradition, like swirled, chunky wood “peda-stools” that can be tables or seats ($150-$250); boxes made from gnarled, scooped-out tree branches with swivel hinge tops ($35-$50); traditional Chinese carved creatures rendered in bone instead of ivory ($300-$450). You can still find her most beloved signature items: ecologically correct exotic insects and butterflies; fine candles; projection wall clocks that expand from 6 inches to 7 feet; and the fantastical beaded jewelry she makes herself. George Greene, 49 E. Oak St., Chicago.
Savoir-flair
Martial
“Americans are so different from the French,” says Martial, who moved here after practicing interior design in Paris for 21 years. In five years he has snagged some of the juiciest jobs in town, though his name is still under the radar in most design circles. His chic demeanor and endearing accent are undeniable draws, but it’s his observations on those cultural differences that explain his success: “The French think they know everything and tell you what to do, but the Americans are trusting and let you do your job. So I keep my client’s preferences in mind. … Buy what you like and I will make it work.” He has completed residential projects for several prominent Chicagoans, including one couple’s home in Miami that will soon appear in Metropolitan Home magazine, and he designed Holly Hunt’s installation at last year’s Merchandise Mart International Antiques Fair. In case you’re unsure what you like best, know this: “I have thousands of ideas in my mind, and when the right person comes along for what I have in stock, I adapt the idea to their project,” he reveals coyly. And “I only use one name. I always have to spell it out. My last name is so long and difficult I dropped it,” he explains. He can be found at www.martialdesign.us.
