Wolfbait is the Chicago community ✶✶✶✶
Grown from a group of local of makers and opening our doors in 2006, Wolfbait & B-girls set out to be not only a showcase, but also a resource for local artists. Over the last 20 years, it’s grown into a unique treasure trove of apparel, accessories, art, and gifts crafted by over 300 local artisan?s creations and a handful of Chicago based, women run, fair trade companies. The Bait highlights our city?s local talent in a unique incubator style retail venue; a truly people-driven project. Through artisan representation and customer education the ideals of our growing creative community will be shared and strengthened.
Wolfbait & B-girls is a female-owned and operated independent business, fashioned by two native designers, Shirley Kienitz and Jenny Stadler. Their respective collections, Bruiser and Brazen Judy, are executed in-house from concept to consumer, creating an intimate environment for a unique shopping experience.
The name Wolfbait & B-girls is a nod to historic Chicago. The 1930?s guidebook Chicago Confidential defines Wolfbait as girls who moved to the city looking for success and how easy they were to be preyed upon; and B-girls as what they sometimes turn into. Think B-movie, B-side, bad girl, Bruiser and Brazen judy. We have chosen to take this derogatory historic terminology and reframe it as what women are capable of in business, and in life.