If you were hoping this nightclub's name was a nod to the cheesy '80s movie starring Kim Cattrall, well, you're out of luck. Mannequin doesn't even attempt to pay homage to that cinema classic. I guess that's understandable, considering that the place is out to become Chicago's next go-to spot for fashionable, sleek clubbing in a bottle-service atmosphere.
Getting inside this Fulton Market club can be quite the task; there are a few guest lists going on at once and a bevy of doormen checking your outfit and ID and giving you a special color-coded ticket. From there, IDs are checked again and the hostess lets you know what/if you'll need to pay ($10-$20) based on your ticket.
In contrast to its bare facade, Mannequin's interior boasts dark blue, black and white tones and purple lights, all of which accent the white faux-leather furniture, giving the large, loft-like space a chic glow. The dance floor sits right in the middle of the first level, with the main bar on one side and elevated white booths for bottle service/private parties on the other. The second level has more seating, two bars on either side of the room for your drinking pleasure (a basic cocktail is around $8) and a large open space in the middle of the room which overlooks the dance floor below.
Various mannequin display windows are located throughout the club and behind the bars. My friend, who's a visual merchandiser, quickly noted that most of the windows looked professionally done, but was also disappointed that the girls weren't the focus of the rooms. He also noted that while none of the outfits were "fierce," some of the displays really captured the essence of cute things to wear at the club, so he gave them big points for that.
Music here is similar to what you'd find at most big clubs on the weekend: radio remixes and top 40 hits. Still, if you're into fashion and bottle-service clubs with a bit of a suburban feel, Mannequin is a must-stop spot.
Centerstage Reviewer: Maya Henderson