WICKER PARK — Mishka, a popular Brooklyn NYC-based streetwear brand that means "bear cub" in Russian and has its own music label, is testing the waters in the Midwest with a pop-up sale in Wicker Park.
A cash-only sample sale, in the former Personal Privilege boutique space at 1448 N. Milwaukee Ave., opened Thursday and will remain open through Sunday.
Over the weekend, a steady stream of shoppers were observed crouching over cardboard boxes boxes piled high with T-shirts and beige "scout pants" and combing through racks of mens' button-down and short-sleeve shirts and varsity jackets bearing whimsical designs like cacti and bright flowers.
Additionally, the shop features baseball hats emblazoned with bright eyeballs and comic book inspired graphics.
According to the sale's Facebook page, titled, "MISHKA STORMS CHICAGO!," shoppers can score deals up to 75 percent off past season styles including "samples, one offs, collaborations and wild s--- we bought off eBay."
Steve Bert, Mishka's public relations manager, said that Wicker Park was chosen because "there are a lot of fans" of Mishka in the neighborhood.
Bert added that Mishka has grown to encompass more than just apparel since its founding in 2003.
"We're more of a lifestyle brand. We have our own music label and sponsor dubstep music concerts," Bert said.
Mishka's pop-up shop at 1448 N. Milwaukee Ave. will remain open through Sunday. Hours are noon to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.