You’ve probably seen the shots on your feed. A soft-lit mirror selfie, a stack of perfectly folded "one size" baby tees, or that specific aesthetic of sun-drenched wood and industrial metal. If you’re searching for brandy melville chicago photos, you aren’t just looking for a storefront. You’re looking for a specific mood.
Honestly, the Chicago location has undergone a massive glow-up recently. It moved from its cramped spot at 64 E. Walton St. to a sprawling, two-story flagship at 8-12 E. Walton St. right in the heart of the Gold Coast. It’s huge. It’s nearly 6,000 square feet of that "Malibu-meets-Midwest" aesthetic that the brand has mastered.
The Aesthetic Shift at 8 E. Walton St.
The new space is a photographer's playground, mostly because it doesn't feel like a typical mall store. It’s tucked into a luxury corridor, surrounded by high-end boutiques, but it keeps that "lived-in" clubhouse feel.
Why do people care so much about taking photos here?
It’s the lighting. The store uses a mix of warm, recessed lighting and massive windows that catch the afternoon sun reflecting off the Gold Coast architecture. When you walk in, you aren't greeted by corporate plastic. You see pale wood tables, vintage-style signage, and those iconic polaroids pinned up everywhere.
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The layout is 80% retail and 20% stock, but even the back-of-house areas often stay visible, contributing to that "industrial warehouse" vibe. You’ve got exposed ductwork, raw wood accents, and hangers spaced exactly one index-finger-width apart. That’s a real rule they have, by the way. It makes the racks look cleaner in photos.
Best Spots for Brandy Melville Chicago Photos
If you’re heading there to snap some content, you need to know the layout. It’s two floors now.
The Grand Staircase
The move to the larger space added a central staircase that has become a primary spot for "fit checks." The wood tones against the white walls provide a neutral backdrop that makes those heather gray hoodies pop.
The Second Floor Fitting Room Area
Unlike the old location where you were basically elbowing people to see a mirror, the new spot has a dedicated fitting room section that’s much more spacious. The mirrors are huge. The lighting is consistent. It’s basically designed for the "try-on haul" style of photography that dominates TikTok and Instagram.
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The Street-Side Windows
Because the store took over the old BHLDN (Anthropologie’s bridal concept) space, the exterior architecture is stunning. The large glass panes facing Walton Street allow for great "candid" street style shots. You get the luxury vibe of the Gold Coast in the background—think limestone buildings and high-end cars—mixed with the casual Brandy aesthetic.
Why the Chicago Store Is Different
Most Brandy stores are tiny. They feel like a crowded closet in a beach house. But the Chicago flagship is one of the few that feels like a destination.
- The Scale: At 6,001 square feet, it's nearly triple the size of the previous location. More space means more "visual sets" for photos.
- The "John Galt" Section: They have a massive dedicated area for the John Galt line. It’s often organized by color, which creates those satisfying, "color-coordinated" backgrounds that look great in wide-angle shots.
- The Neighborhood: You aren't in a mall. You’re in the Gold Coast. This means after you get your brandy melville chicago photos, you can walk two blocks to the Lakefront Trail or North Avenue Beach for a completely different vibe.
The Reality of Shopping (and Shooting) Here
Let’s be real for a second. It gets crowded. If you go on a Saturday at 2:00 PM, your photos will mostly feature the backs of other people's heads.
The best time for photos? Weekdays, right when they open at 11:00 AM. The light is soft, the tables are freshly folded (those "visual managers" work hard), and the store is quiet.
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The "one size" policy is still the core of the brand, which remains controversial. However, from a purely visual perspective, it creates a very uniform look in the store. Everything hangs the same way. Every stack of sweatpants is the same dimensions. It’s a minimalist's dream, even if the sizing isn't for everyone.
Beyond the Storefront
Chicago is a city of textures. While the store itself is great, the surrounding area offers some of the best street-style backdrops in the country.
- Oak Street: Just around the corner. It’s all high-fashion energy and clean sidewalks.
- The Alleys: Gold Coast alleys are surprisingly clean and feature that "exposed brick" look that fits the Brandy aesthetic perfectly.
- Connors Park: A tiny triangular park nearby with plenty of greenery for a "nature-in-the-city" shot.
When you’re tagging your photos, remember that the Chicago store has its own local culture. It’s not just about the clothes; it’s about being part of that "Gold Coast shopping day" narrative.
Quick Tips for the Best Shots:
- Use the 0.5x lens for the staircase to capture the height of the new building.
- Focus on the details: the "St. Moritz" graphics, the jewelry displays, or the way the sunlight hits the wood.
- Don't sleep on the exterior. The building itself is a piece of Chicago history.
The move to 8 E. Walton St. wasn't just a business expansion. It was a tactical move to stay relevant in a city that values luxury and aesthetics. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend, the Chicago Brandy is arguably one of the most photogenic retail spots in the Midwest.
Actionable Next Steps:
Plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday morning to avoid the suburban rush. Start your shoot inside by the second-floor windows, then move outside to the limestone steps of the neighboring buildings for a complete "Gold Coast" lookbook. Check the store's current hours before you go, as they typically open at 11:00 AM but can shift during holiday seasons.