Chicago Retail Legend Joan Weinstein Passed Away

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.