Former Ballet Dancers Open Wear Moi Flagship In Lake View

CHICAGO — The international dancewear company Wear Moi is hosting a grand opening celebration of its flagship retail store in Lake View this Friday. Co-founders Christophe Ridet and Elisabeth Miegge-Ridet, who now live and work in Chicago, started the brand while touring as professional ballet dancers nearly three decades ago.

“When I was dancing with Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo, I began looking for other opportunities to remain in dance when I eventually retired from performing. I participated in a choreography workshop and found myself most drawn to the costuming,” said Christophe Ridet.

He said his wife was his muse and brand ambassador in the early years of the company.

“Every leotard was custom-made to order, and we strive to maintain that same quality and attention to detail in each piece we create for Wear Moi, which is why Elisabeth and I are still involved in every aspect of the business from design to our retail display.”

Prior to opening its first retail location in Chicago, Wear Moi has been a leading dancewear wholesale company, currently distributing its products worldwide in more than 700 retailers, across at least 60 countries. The flagship store has been in soft opening since mid-March while it’s been testing format and market needs and getting staff up to speed for its official grand opening, Ridet said.

“As our business began to expand internationally, we chose Chicago for the U.S. headquarters due to its central location between our distributors in Europe, Asia and across the United States, but also because of the well-connected dance and French communities,” He said. “When we began planning for our flagship retail store, there was no question that Wear Moi would call Chicago home.”

Wear Moi will host a grand opening celebration on Friday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the new flagship store, 3352 N. Broadway St. Shoppers will receive a gift of a printed Wear Moi tote bag with zipper.