Michigan Avenue - Niche Media - Michigan Avenue magazine is a luxury lifestyle magazine centered around Chicago’s finest people, events, fashion, health & beauty, fine dining & more!
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/175878
THE SHOWMAN WHEN IT COMES TO WOWING THE CROWDS, PARLIAMENT OWNER MATT DEICHL IS A REAL PRO. P erched on a white crocodile leather banquette, 34-year-old Matt Deichl takes a slow sip of a Grey Goose and water ("with two lemons") and surveys the crowd at Parliament, the approximately 10,000-square-foot nightspot he's created in an unassuming building on Chicago Avenue. "Check this out," he says, tapping at his iPhone. Suddenly, the crystal chandelier in the center of Parliament above Table 44, Deichl's favorite seat in the opulent house (and an homage to the number 4 he wore while playing baseball at the University of Iowa), flickers with a violet glow. Heads turn to catch the haze, but the moment is fleeting and the lights dim, signaling the crowd to return to its revelry. Deichl calls this—along with the intentionally slow glass elevator that leads to Parliament's rooftop bar, The Kensington—Parliament's "wow factor." The space is a departure from previous Deichl projects Cuvée and Enclave, and that's intentional. "We build to who we are," he reasons. "I want a big, beautiful space where I can have a drink and not get bumped into. It's a lot of maintenance, but you have to paint that picture to fill expectations," he adds, gesturing to the growing crowd of 20- and 30-somethings moving through the racetrack-like layout. "As long as you give them the environment, they'll come." Jacket ($995) and shirt ($295), Versace Collection. Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., 312-799-5211; saks.com. Trousers, Salvatore Ferragamo ($1,760). 645 N. Michigan Ave., 312-397-0464; ferragamo.com. Tie, Dior Homme ($190). Saks Fifth Avenue, SEE ABOVE ; dior.com. Pocket square, Ermenegildo Zegna ($100). 645 N. Michigan Ave., 312-587-9660; zegna.com 116-121_MA_FEAT_Fashion_October13.indd 118 9/17/13 4:17 PM