Chicago Retail Legend Joan Weinstein Passed Away

Joan Weinstein

So sad to learn that the former Queen of Oak Street, Joan Weinstein,
passed away over the weekend. Joan Weinstein opened Ultimo in 1969
where she continued to add to the Ultimo Enterprises on Oak Street with
Giorgio Armani, Sonia Rykiel and Jil Sander. She later expanded to
other cities opening Ultimo boutiques in San Francisco & Dallas.

Her career began in Real Estate and she eventually entered into
retailing with her husband Jerry Weinstein. But it was after her
husband’s death that she began to expand her growth to eventually earn
her entrance into the distinguished member of the Chicago area
entrepreneurship Hall of Fame.

In addition the Ultimo name, Joan Weinstein was respected around the world in fashion. Eventually
retiring after 30 years, she kept a keen eye in fashion & went on
to provide support & guidance for IKRAM, a high fashion Chicago
designer boutique opened by a former salesperson (Ikram Goldman) from
Ultimo whose fame continues to grow thanks in part to a well known
client named Michelle Obama.

Joan was a wonderful mentor for many as I, along with others
looked to her success when I opened my own boutique, Bottega Glaseia,
on Oak Street years later. Joan was also a great interview when I had
the pleasure of talking to her one-on-one in her Astor Street apartment
for CS (Chicago Social) where I was the Fashion Editor. She will be
missed but remembered by all fashionista’s in Chicago & other
cities who purchased clothing from one of the best in retailing.

1,160 Comments

agfdesign

18 November 2009 @ 22:44

I was very sad to hear of Joan’s passing. A one of a kind woman who gave me a wonderful chance to be a part of her world. I learned many things from her and she made me feel special. Joan will be missed by all in Chicago as well as the rest of the fashion world.
Andrea