MICHIGAN AVENUE: What’s the best thing about the new Barneys store?
SIMON DOONAN: I think it’s really a tossup between the new Fred’s restaurant— with chef Mark Strausman—and the gorgeously expanded shoe department. I love to hang out and watch women get their Louboutin fix. The new shoe salon is four times the size of the existing one. I love the fact that it’s called a “salon.” I envision the women of Chicago lounging around and exchanging deep philosophical ideas while they buy their Blahniks.

MA: Your book Eccentric Glamour celebrates fabulous women. Can you tell us more about it, and about the Chicago women you admire?
SD: According to my theory, there are three types of “eccentric glamour”: the socialite, the gypsy, and the existentialist. For example, Tilda Swinton is an existentialist; Bette Midler and Joss Stone are gypsies; and Michelle Obama is a socialite. Most powerful women like Oprah and Mrs. O fall into the socialite category—it’s classic glamour with a twist. Think Jackie O.

MA: What style advice do you have for Chicago women this spring?
SD: Color, color, color! Take a cue from Michelle Obama: Even if it’s freezing out, it doesn’t mean you should resort to dreary grays and browns.

MA: Are there any designers or trends you’re really excited about right now?
SD: I love all the Belgians—Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela, Raf Simons. They always delight and deliver. And the Belgian chocolate is pretty good, too, not to mention the waffles.

MA: Have you made any observations about our city’s style?
SD: Back in the ’80s, Chicago women were more conservative and restrained and, dare I say it, Midwestern. Now they’re hotsytotsy and just as hip and groovy as New York women. That’s why we expanded our store. Bonjour!

MA: What article of clothing would you advise women to rid their closets of forever?
SD: Take that boring interview suit and give it to Goodwill. If you are going on a job interview, wear a DVF or Lanvin party dress. Nobody wants to hire a chick in a prison wardress uniform. It’s important to look optimistic and upbeat, especially in these dreary times.

MA: What would you tell a women who’s dealing with guilt pangs about shopping during a recession?
SD: You owe it to your friends, family and coworkers to maintain your fabulous personal style. When you strut into the office in your new Balenciaga or Alexander Wang number, you are going to have a positive impact on the group morale. Shopping also feeds the economy and helps provide jobs for people like me. Whee!

MA: Tell us a few of your favorite things: book on your nightstand, song on your iPod, dish at a Chicago restaurant.
SD: Right now I am reading The Believers by Zoë Heller, who wrote Notes on a Scandal. It’s wicked and funny and right up my alley. On my iPod I have the Bird and the Bee—a supergroovy singing duo from LA. When I’m in Chicago, I make sure I always have brekkie at that great pancake house near Barneys. It’s a bit of old Chicago—plus a massive amount of calories! ||MA