SPRING 2016 THE LIFESTYLE
IT’S ALL IN THE MIX
MULTIPLE BRANDS, CUSTOM EDIT
WILKES BASHFORD
A FASHIONABLE LIFE WELL LIVED
INTRODUCING MARIOS
AN ICONIC PACIFIC NORTHWEST RETAILER JOINS OUR FAMILY
CLÉ DE CARTIER
Available at Mitchells in Westport
Š Cartier
New Collection
CLÉ DE CARTIER
MANUFACTURE MOVEMENT 1847 MC ESTABLISHED IN 1847, CARTIER CREATES EXCEPTIONAL WATCHES THAT COMBINE DARING DESIGN AND WATCHMAKING SAVOIR-FAIRE. CLÉ DE CARTIER OWES ITS NAME TO ITS UNIQUE CROWN. CONSIDERABLE MASTERY WAS REQUIRED TO CREATE FLUID LINES AND A HARMONIOUS ENSEMBLE, A TESTAMENT TO ACCURACY AND BALANCE. A NEW SHAPE IS BORN.
Available at Mitchells in Westport
Š Cartier
GREETINGS FROM THE MITCHELL FAMILY
WELCOME
SPRING: A TIME OF NEW BEGINNINGS... This beautiful spring finds us at a time of both some very exciting and some very difficult transitions. As many of you may have heard, this January we lost our beloved partner and longtime friend Wilkes Bashford. Wilkes Bashford had just celebrated his 50th anniversary as a legendary retailer and style icon in the Bay Area. Please see our tribute to Wilkes beginning on page 14. On a very positive note, we are thrilled to formally introduce you to the newest addition to our family of stores, the magnificent Marios stores of the Pacific Northwest. We are excited about the expanded product selection and fashion network our customers will enjoy with the addition of these three iconic stores, run by our dear friend Mario Bisio. We are also delighted to introduce you to Omni-Touch, our integrated network of customer touchpoints, designed to serve you in just the way that’s best for you. We look forward to seeing you in store and at mitchellstores.com, and we wish you and your family a healthy, peaceful and stylish season.
The Mitchell Family
AND THEN THERE WERE 8! It’s been quite a journey since 1958! It is very exciting to build upon the vision of Ed and Norma Mitchell with our expansion into new parts of the country. We are enjoying getting to know new customers and colleagues in the Pacific Northwest, as we have in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Greenwich and Huntington, since our beginnings in Westport. Working with like-minded tastemakers like Mario Biso and Wilkes Bashford has expanded our fashion world and offerings. We look forward to sharing their edits and sensibilities with our customers online and hope you will stop in and say “hi” at all of our stores in your travels!
11
MARIOS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST JOINS OUR FAMILY OF STORES!
OUR WORLD IS EXPANDING THE MARIOS STORY
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
Mario Bisio Sr. opened Marios, a family clothing store in Portland’s newly opened Lloyd Center. Mario Jr. began working for his father as a kid, sweeping floors and opening boxes, and selling during his high school years.
Mario Jr. graduated from the University of Oregon and by 1973 became a full business partner with his father. A year after Mario Sr.’s passing in 1975, Mario transformed the store and made his first buying trip to Europe. In 1976, Marios was the first retailer to bring Canali to the U.S. It was also one of the first stores to offer Ermenegildo Zegna and Diesel Jeans. In 1977, Mario opened a second store at the Portland Galleria.
Marios opened its first women’s store, named Ragazza, across the street from the Galleria. In 1982, Mario expanded to Seattle, opening a store for both men and women on 6th Avenue.
Fashion expert Lynwood Holmberg was hired to lead the growing women’s department. In 1994, the Seattle store was renovated, featuring a grand staircase leading to the mezzanine and a new, expanded women’s department. Lynwood and Mario introduced new lines, including Loro Piana, Narciso Rodriguez and Prada.
12
It is with great excitement that we introduce you to the newest members of our retail family, the stunning Marios stores of the Pacific Northwest. Founded in Portland, Oregon, Marios has three stores — Seattle, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and a contemporary store in Bridgeport Village, Oregon. A second-generation family business, Marios is run by our longtime friend Mario Bisio. We have known Mario for over twenty years and he shares a similar taste level, the same values as a long-running family business, and above all, our commitment to bringing the world’s best fashions and service to his customers. Marios has many of the same designer
partners as our other stores as well as a distinct edit of mostly contemporary international and local designers, which we think you’ll enjoy getting to know. The addition of Marios stores will expand our online offerings, bringing the exquisite sensibilities of the Pacific Northwest to our customers everywhere. When business or pleasure next takes you to Seattle or Portland, we hope you will stop by and introduce yourself to the warm, engaging and knowledgable team at Marios. They look forward to welcoming our customers to their stores. To learn more about Marios and explore our new collective offerings, check out mitchellstores.com!
2000s
2014
2015
2016
The Seattle and Portland stores now included Ermenegildo Zegna shops and in 2005, new jewelry departments were created. In 2006, Marios 3.10 opened in Bridgeport Village, catering to customers who favor a stylish, casual lifestyle. In 2008, Mario Bisio received the Lifetime Achievement Award from MR Magazine and by 2010 both Seattle and Portland stores became home to the first and only Brunello Cucinelli shops in the area.
In July 2014, Marios was recognized by MR Magazine as one of the “10 Most Influential Stores in North America.”
In September 2015, Mario Bisio joined forces with his longtime friends the Mitchells, and Marios officially became part of Mitchell Stores.
In spring 2016, Marios’ website and inventory is integrated into the mitchells.com online shopping experience, expanding collections from our existing designers as well as many designers new to our store. Marios’ Style Advisors join our online service team, available to our Style Advisors and customers globally who may need guidance on their product and services.
13
WILKES BASHFORD 19 3 3 – 2 0 16
“I grew up idolizing Wilkes Bashford, the store and the man. I will be forever grateful for our friendship and partnership. He was truly a legend and pioneer, but most importantly, one of the kindest men I have ever known.”
Bob Mitchell
“It is with deep sorrow that I have learned that my esteemed Wilkes Bashford has passed away; he was a human being constantly in love with fashion, gracious and distinguished, whose soul had always been the source of great thoughts. I would like to express my deep condolences to all of his family.”
Brunello Cucinelli
A FASHIONABLE LIFE WELL LIVED This January we lost our beloved partner and longtime friend, Wilkes Bashford. Wilkes Bashford, whom the San Francisco Chronicle called “The Man Who Gave San Francisco Its Elegance,” transformed the face of Bay Area style over the past 50 years, since opening his first store in Union Square. With stores in Palo Alto and a stunning seven-story townhouse/store in San Francisco, Wilkes Bashford has been part of our Family of Stores since 2009. Wilkes Bashford had just celebrated his 50th anniversary as a renowned stylemaker and adored figure in the fabric of Bay Area life. We are grateful that Wilkes was able to enjoy this grand celebration and look back at all he has accomplished. With an impeccable eye for fashion and detail, Wilkes pioneered what he coined the “bold conservative” look, famously dressing his friend Mayor Willie Brown as well
14
as countless friends and celebrities of the art, science, technology and political worlds in the Bay Area and beyond. Wilkes was the first retailer to bring designers including Brioni, Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren to San Francisco and has been a regular on Esquire’s “Best Dressed List” since 1972. Aside from his enormous contributions to San Francisco fashion, Wilkes was a passionate public servant, championing local causes and chairing countless charity events and galas. The Mitchell family first got to know Wilkes on European buying trips, where we were charmed by his unmatched taste level and unforgettable grace, warmth and sense of humor. We, along with all of Wilkes’ colleagues, truly considered Wilkes a member of our family. The youngest Mitchells regarded Wilkes as another grandfather. R.I.P. Wilkes. Your legacy, contributions and humanity — THE MITCHELL FAMILY live on.
15
CONTENTS
THE LIFESTYLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Karen Alberg Grossman DESIGN DIRECTOR
Hans Gschliesser MANAGING EDITOR
Jillian LaRochelle PROJECT MANAGER
Lisa Montemorra DESIGNER
Jean-Nicole Venditti CONCEPT /CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Andrew Mitchell-Namdar MERCHANDISING DIRECTOR
Bob Mitchell
FEATURES
12 Our World is Expanding 14 A Fashionable Life Well Lived: In Tribute to Wilkes Bashford 50 Introducing Omni-Touch 70 Why a Multi-Brand Store? 74 Have You Seen Our Blog? 86 Culture: Manus x Machina 88 Shatterproof’s Gary Mendell 110 Profile: Samuelsohn
FASHION 45 62 76 92 112
Flights of Color Dressing for a Good Time Stylewatch: Mixing Metaphors Romance in the Air Workwear Essentials
DIRECTOR OF PRODUCTION
Peg Eadie DIRECTOR OF PREPRESS
John Frascone CREATIVE DIRECTION
WSAA, Inc., Westport, CT MITCHELLS/RICHARDS ART DIRECTION & COPY
WSAA, Inc., Westport, CT
BUSINESS JOURNALS FASHION GROUP PUBLISHER
Stuart Nifoussi PRESIDENT AND CEO
DEPARTMENTS
11 Welcome Letter 25 Scene & Heard 56 What’s New 106 Father vs. Sons 118 Designers: Work It 120 Services
Britton Jones CHAIRMAN AND COO
Mac Brighton CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Christine Sullivan
FASHION FORUM MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED IN 11 REGIONAL EDITIONS FOR MEMBER STORES OF THE APPAREL FORUM © 2016 PUBLISHED BY BUSINESS JOURNALS, INC, P.O. BOX 5550, NORWALK, CT 06856, 203-853-6015 • FAX: 203-8528175; ADVERTISING OFFICE: 1384 BROADWAY, NY, NY 10018-6108, 212-686-4412 • FAX: 212-686-6821; ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE PUBLISHERS ACCEPT NO RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ADVERTISERS CLAIMS, UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS OR OTHER MATERIALS. NO PART OF THIS MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHERS. VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.
HERMÈS BY NATURE
HERMÈS BY NATURE
670 Post Road East - Westport, Connecticut
HERMÈS BY NATURE
Mitchell Stores partner with local breast cancer charities and help
RAISE $2.5 MILLION for Pink Aid Connecticut, Pink Aid Long Island and Breast Cancer Alliance Read more »
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” —Margaret Mead
25
BREAST CANCER ALLIANCE
YEAR 20!
$1 Million raised at annual BCA Luncheon & Fashion Show The Breast Cancer Alliance once again filled an enormous tent on the property of the Hyatt Regency Greenwich with elegant women who came to show support to BCA’s cause: raising funds, awareness and concern for breast cancer research. Guest speaker Anne Thompson, television reporter and breast cancer survivor, spoke to an audience of almost 900 women. Andrea Mitchell, NBC News correspondent, spoke to the crowd via jumbo screen. The fashion shows were the highlight of the day with Richards presenting the Best of Fall 2015 and, of course the finale: The Survivor Fashion Show, modeled by survivors who have all fought breast cancer. “We are celebrating all of those who’ve won, and we are praying for all of those still fighting,” said BCA president Yonni Wattenmaker. Fun-fi lled silent and live auctions raised additional funds with support from local retailers and business donations. Q
Celebrating 20 Years!
26
Save the Date! 10/27/16 BCA Luncheon & Fashion Show
Photo Credits: Elaine and ChiChi Ubiña – Fairfield County LOOK
27
CELEBRATING YEAR 5
PINK AID CT Pink Aid CT celebrated its fifth anniversary in spectacular fashion this past October at Mitchells in Westport. The store was filled to capacity as over 500 women and men openly displayed compassion for the issue of breast cancer. Co-chairs Shelly Kassen and Suzanne Kramer introduced featured speaker Jennifer Griffin, a national security correspondent for FOX News and breast cancer survivor. Renowned fashion designer Donna Karan presented her final charity runway show. The sold-out audience honored breast cancer survivors with cheers and applause as they walked the catwalk dressed for their “moment” of gratefulness and owning their survival—as always, a special moment. Manolo Blahnik’s exclusive Pink Aid Shoe was a favorite among the attendees, with a percentage of profits going to the Pink Aid cause. Pink Aid’s founding sponsors—Mitchells, WSAA, Valerie Wilson Travel, and Connecticut Cottages and Gardens—are thrilled at the growth of Pink Aid, both in Connecticut and Long Island. Founding co-chairs Amy Gross, Amy Katz, Renee Mandis and Andrew Mitchell-Namdar declared, “Our hearts are filled with love and gratitude to everyone who has supported the Pink Aid mission for the first five years. Thanks to all of you, thousands of women with breast cancer feel a little less alone, and a little more loved.” Q
Save the Date! 9/26/16 Pink Aid CT Luncheon & Fashion Show
Photo Credit: Neil Landino Jr., courtesy of Connecticut Cottages and Gardens
29
COMING ON STRONG!
PINK AID LI For a second year, Mitchells Huntington held a fantastic community event. With over 300 women attending, Long Island breast cancer patients and their families were assured that their compassionate care needs will be supported—and that they are not alone in the fight against breast cancer. Co-chairs Laurie Cohen, Ali Mitchell, Tammy Winter and Bonnie Williamson welcomed guest speaker, cartoonist and author Marisa Acocella Marchetto, who spoke about her personal journey with cancer and her graphic memoir Cancer Vixen. Attention to detail made the event even more special with chocolate chip cookies printed with the Pink Aid Strong Island logo, guests showing off their custom-designed pink leopard BBs by Manolo Blahnik, touches of pink hair extensions added to the professional models’ hair designs and whimsical pink wigs on the Marcia Selden catering staff! Strong Island proved once again that it will work to raise funds to give this gift of love to many who need care and support during treatment. The fashion show represented Fall 2015 trends and the Best of the Best from Mitchells. The Survivor Fashion Show models enjoyed hair and makeup from Spa Adriana. High fashion and more importantly, high hopes, kept the spirit of the event up. Q
Save the Date! 10/19/16 Pink Aid LI Luncheon & Fashion Show
30
SAVORING THE SEASON
Delectable taste in fashion, jewelry and, of course, dining. Mitchells and Richards hosted clients this fall at Chef Jean-Georges’ most recent endeavor, The Inn at Pound Ridge. The rustic, chic environment was ďŹ lled with delicious award-winning jewelry from Sylva Yepremian of Sylva & Cie, Paolo Costagli, Nam Cho and Mattia Cielo, whose collections wowed the ladies. Lots of treasures were found to admire and acquire. The reclaimed wood and stone rooms and cozy lighting created a luscious backdrop for the event, which included a commentated trend fashion show. Q
Photo Credit: Joe Crawford
ladies cutline who lu nch 32
off duty
rban sexy subu mash-up
layering
K WIAT D IAM OND EAR R INGS
LORO PIANA “EXTREME” PERFORMANCE FABRIC
ACE AWARDS and the winner is... Mitchell Stores! Russ and Bob Mitchell accepted a coveted Ace Award from the Accessories Council at a dinner held at Cipriani in NYC. Multiple Emmy awardwinning journalist Paula Zahn presented the Retailer Specialty Award at the 19th annual event. Many Mitchell family executives were on hand to share in the excitement. Q
Photo Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Accessories Council
DESIGNER MAGIC Three-day Contemporary Designer Event at Mitchells Westport and Richards The lure of contemporary designers brought young women to Mitchells and Richards to shop expanded collections from brands such as Vince, JBrand, AG, Jonathan Simkhai, Isabel Marant Etoile, Frank & Eileen and L’Agence—to name a few. The ladies enjoyed gourmet popcorn, cake pops and upbeat music as they shopped three days of themes: Sexy Suburban, Off Duty and Ladies Who Lunch. Our raffle bowl was fi lled to the brim with client cards in hopes of winning the contents: exclusive designer gifts and surprises from SoulCycle, Benefit San Francisco and BlowCo. Q
TREND LUNCHEON Auction winner and friends at Mitchells Huntington A very special Mitchells client and longtime friend bid on a charity auction item donated by Mitchells Huntington and won a private, in-store luncheon for 10 friends—complete with a Must-Haves Fashion Show. Guests gathered around a beautifully appointed table as models presented the season’s hottest trends, commentated by our fashion expert. The atmosphere was informative and relaxed, with lots of repartee and many questions about what is flattering and what is a “must-have” in the closet. Laurie Palladino, manager of the women’s area, and her team of talented style advisors were on hand to give personal expertise to the attendees. Q
ves Must-Ha 10
DS
TREN
1
R! FUR! FUR! FU
2
ST INTERE VESTED
3
SING R DRES SWEATE
4 HITE ACK & W ACT... BL TES ATTR OPPOSI 5 ON RFECTI PRINT PE
The ladies enjoyed a scrumptious meal at Mitchells Huntington. Sandy Ceppos, Mitchells director of marketing and sales, commentated the Must-Haves Fashion Show, which was presented in an informal and relaxed atmosphere.
6 RALS IN NEUT URSELF WRAP YO 7 WL) NCH (L WHO LU LADIES 8
RICS GEOMET
9
... THE CL K’S BEST BLAHNI 0
1
MP ASSIC PU
AT COZY CO
36
S
itchells.com
k? Shop M
Love the loo
MITCHELLS IN HUNTINGTON
YEAR 10 CELEBRATION Mitchells Huntington celebrated 10 years of Mitchell family ownership... and a great many wonderful years on Main Street. For the Saturday event, the store had a charming gelato cart, a creative photo booth and lots of friends, fun and food. Chris, Ali and the Mitchell family were on hand for photo ops and to reminisce with clients, who shared anecdotes of their Mitchells shopping excursions over the years with their sales associates. A special day enjoyed by all! Q
“Wow!
I can’t believe our family has been in Huntington for
10 years now. Thanks to the Marsh Family for making us feel so welcome from day one and trusting us with the great business they had grown over many years on Long Island. Also, a HUGE thank you to all our friends in this wonderful community who continue to support us. Here’s to many more years of fun and fashion together!” −Chris Mitchell
SOCIAL MEDIA MITCHELL-STYLE...
STAY CONNECTED
38
ͦͩ͡ ͩͨȂ
ͦͣͥ͟Ǿ ͭ͛ͬ͢͟ Ы ͩͦͦͩ͠ͱ ͯͭ ͩͨ ͛ͩͩͥ͟͜͠͝Ǿ ͮͱͣͮͮͬ͟ Ы ͣͨͭͮ͛ͬ͛ͧ͡Ȃ
As the ultimate tastemakers who are in the know, we have our fingers on the pulse of fashion, culture, beauty and current topics!
ͣͨͭͮ͛ͬ͛ͧ͡ǽͩͧ͝ȡͧͣͮͦͦͭͮͩͬͭ͢͟͟͝
Stay connected as we post the season’s hottest trends, share a backstage pass and peek at our designers’ inspiration. Sneak a behind-the-scenes look at photoshoots, fashion weeks, showrooms and, of course, the party circuit.
ͮͱͣͮͮͬ͟ǽͩͧ͝ȡͧͣͮͦͦͭͭͮͩͬ͢͟͟͝ ͮͱͣͮͮͬ͟ǽͩͧ͝ȡͬͣ͛ͬͭͭͮͩͬ͢͟͝͞
Each of our stores has its own local following (at right). We’ll see you there! Q
͛ͩͩͥ͟͜͠͝ǽͩͧ͝ȡͧͣͮͦͦͭͮͩͬͭ͢͟͟͝
S S 16 . B E A N E W G E N T L E M A N .
SPRING 2016
TRUNK SHOWS 1/19-20
CAROLINA HERRERA TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
4/7-9
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI MEN’S & WOMEN’S TRUNK SHOW . WESTPORT
1/22-23
ARMANI COLLEZIONI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT GIORGIO ARMANI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
4/8
LELA ROSE TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
4/8-9
1/29-30
ARMANI COLLEZIONI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI MEN’S TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT IRIS VON ARNIM TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
2/5-6
RALPH LAUREN TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
4/9
2/6
PAOLO COSTAGLI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
COPPLEY TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
2/13
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
4/14-16
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI WOMEN’S TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
2/17-18
BOGNER TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
4/15-16
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI MEN’S TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
2/19-20
BOGNER TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
4/16
2/20
AARON HENRY TRUNK SHOW PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
BRIONI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT COPPLEY TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH INDIVIDUALIZED SHIRTS TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH SAMUELSOHN TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
3/4-5
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH PAULE KA TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
4/23
3/5
ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT SAMUELSOHN TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
ETON TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON INDIVIDUALIZED SHIRTS TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT LUCIANO BARBERA TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH SAMUELSOHN TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
3/11-12
CANALI TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
4/28-30
MICHAEL KORS TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
3/12
BRIONI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON ISAIA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT SAMUELSOHN TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
4/29-30
PAOLO COSTAGLI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
4/30
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
5/6
AARON HENRY TRUNK SHOW PA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
5/6-7
MICHAEL KORS TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
5/7
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
5/13-14
ESCADA TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
5/5-7
CONTEMPORARY EVENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
5/7
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
5/20-21
ESCADA TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
6/18
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
6/25
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
3/18-19
KITON MEN’S & WOMEN’S TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH
3/19
CANALI TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT ERMENEGILDO ZEGNA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON INDIVIDUALIZED SHIRTS TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH SAMUELSOHN TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
3/25
MICHAEL KORS TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
3/26
COPPLEY TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON INDIVIDUALIZED SHIRTS TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT ISAIA TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH PAOLO COSTAGLI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
3/31-4/1
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI WOMEN’S TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON
4/2
BRIONI TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH CANALI TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HUNTINGTON ETON TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH ETON TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT HICKEY FREEMAN TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GREENWICH HICKEY FREEMAN TRUNK SHOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT LUCIANO BARBERA TRUNK SHOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WESTPORT
For a complete list of events, please visit mitchellstores.com Q 40
PA = Personal Appearance
SPECIAL EVENT 3/4
NEAR & FAR AID GALA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WESTPORT
HAND-CRAFTED IN NEW YORK
THE ART OF INTERIORS
New York City
| Norwalk Design Center | Greenwich | South Norwalk Outlet | LillianAugust.com | TRADE WELCOME
PHOTOGRAPHY: SERGIO KURHAJEC H A I R : M A R C E L I N O G O N Z A L E Z M A K E U P : C L A I R E B AY L E Y S T Y L I N G : W E N D Y M C N E T T
FLIGHTS of
COLOR Bring on the high-flying colors. Strong hues meet light, flowy fabrics for looks that are ready to take off. Brighten your palette everywhere, jewelry and accessories, too. This season, let your colors fly!
45
46
This page TOP: IRO SHORTS: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI Opposite page TOP: DEREK LAM HANDBAG: TOD’S Previous page SHORTS & TOP: CHLOE
47
FLIGHTS of
FABRIC
Billowing skirts, blouses and even coats set the stage for a liftoff to the fashion stratosphere.
48
This page C O AT & T O P : ROBERTO CAVALLI Opposite page DRESS: O S C A R D E L A R E N TA JEWELRY: SUTRA
49
SERVICES
INTRODUCING OMNI-TOUCH...
OMNI-TOUCH: THE MITCHELL STORES SHOPPING EXPERIENCE. ONLY BETTER. Online shopping with your Style Advisor. In-store browsing from our eight stores online. Messages when something you’ll love arrives, or when your favorite designer hosts a trunk show. Social media and blog postings with new arrivals each day. Introducing Omni-Touch. Our signature shopping platform created to touch our customers in any and every way that feels right, for a fully seamless and integrated retail experience. Enjoy as many or as few “touches" as you like, from anywhere you are, 24/7/365... 50
STYLE ADVISOR
STORE
WORLD
EDIT LIFESTYLE
ONLINE CUSTOMER
“WE HAVE EXPANDED CONSUMER TOUCHPOINTS IN STORE, AT HOME AND ONLINE TO DELIVER A SEAMLESS CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE ACROSS ALL CHANNELS.” — RUSS MITCHELL 51
SERVICES
INTRODUCING OMNI-TOUCH...
ENJOY OUR UNIQUE BRAND OF FULLY INTEGRATED SERVICES —
ACCESS OUR EIGHT-STORE INVENTORY
WORK WITH YOUR STYLE ADVISOR
RESERVE IN YOUR FAVORITE STORE
Our eight stores share common designers as well as distinct edits unique to each. Our carefully curated inventory has over 15,000 items. Whether you're shopping from afar or in the store, this expansive inventory adds huge breadth to your favorite store’s offerings. Your Style Advisor will help you find anything you can't find in store online.
Instead of random advice from someone you've never met, work with the same Style Advisor online as in store. If you haven't already, take two minutes to set up an MWorld account and learn how your Style Advisors can help you build stunning outfits and wardrobes and prepare for events and travel, even on the go.
Shopping online doesn’t always mean buying. Reserve in Store is one of the most popular features of our new site. It saves you the trip of looking for items that are not currently in your preferred store. Reserve items you like in the store of your choice and make the trip when they are there to touch and feel.
WITH OMNI-TOUCH, YOUR TRUSTED STYLE ADVISOR IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE FOR HELP & GUIDANCE.
“ My client loves the ability to browse the website at her leisure and then email me items she would like me to bring into the store. One of the fun surprises was that she chose a jacket from the designer Peter Cohen, whose merchandise I have never seen as it’s only carried in our West Coast stores. It’s so great that our clients can now enjoy seeing the full breadth of designers carried in all Mitchells stores via MPix.”
DEBBIE O'SHEA Richards, Greenwich
52
NO MATTER HOW YOU SHOP.
MATCH WHAT’S IN YOUR VIRTUAL CLOSET
ADD IT TO YOUR WISH LIST
KEEP UP ON WHAT’S NEW
Our signature Virtual Closet allows you and your Style Advisor to view all your prior purchases (for as far back as we have photos). This is very handy for remembering what you have and building outfits and wardrobes from anywhere.
Introducing our newest tool for keeping track of items you have your eye on! If you see something you like, add it to your Wish List. That way, if you get interrupted or haven't yet decided, you can always go back and find your favorites.
MEdit (our blog), Facebook, e-mails, M Magazine, catalogs and ads are just some of the ways we "touch" you with what's new in fashion and in our stores. And if you see something you like somewhere else, drop a note to your Style Advisor.
SCOTT KRUSINSKI Mitchells, Westport “After helping a client prepare for his wedding, I sent his wife MPix suggesting holiday gifts for him along with a jewelry card for her. Not only did I find his gifts for their first Christmas together, but with Jay's help, we sent photos of jewelry she liked to her husband and he chose her gift. She said we made her feel like the only one in the store despite the holiday clamor and he said he would never have had time to find her such a perfect gift.”
“ With so many touchpoints, there are so many ways a customer can connect with what they want. A very good customer came in unexpectedly one Saturday morning and said, ‘I love the Instagram post, get the ring for me!’ I scrambled to get the ring in from Stephen Webster, which I do not even have in my store. I got the ring in and my client came in the next weekend and picked it up! The ring has a new home!”
JACQUIE CARLINO Mitchells, Huntington
JOE BIONDI Richards, Greenwich “ My customers love the ability to pre-shop. One customer who’s FIIR [MXL QI JSV Āă years looked online and emailed me to reserve in store. I had items transferred and called him when everything was in. He IRHIH YT XEOMRK ÿþ SJ XLI ÿā MXIQW LI LEH reserved. He thought this service was great because instead of coming in and spending a lot of time looking, he was in and out in no time and was very pleased.”
“A new customer who doesn’t live in the area found the website and picked me from the profiles. She emailed me looking for a dress for a graduation. She was lovely and funny. I’m not a computer girl but we developed an online relationship. We also worked on dresses for a wedding online. Finally we decided we had to meet in person and she drove all the way here. We bought each other gifts and now she’s not only my client but my friend.”
GAIL SHERIFF Mitchells, Westport
53
TABITHA SIMMONS Tabitha Simmons launched her debut collection in 2009. Tabitha has won numerous awards, most recently the CFDA Accessory Designer of the Year Award. Her collections are defined by the use of exquisite materials such as exotic skins and the finest leathers and suede. Couture craftsmanship by master cobblers in Italy is seen in details and ornate embellishments. Her designs are inspired by her British roots and worldwide travels.
What’s
NEW
DISCOVER NEW DESIGNERS IN OUR STORES & NEW COLLECTIONS FROM DESIGNER FAVORITES!
STEPHEN WEBSTER The London-based jewelry brand is known for its exquisite and cutting-edge designs. Inspired by art subjects as diverse as William Blake’s illustrations for Albion Rose, the pop culture iconography of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust album cover, Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and reinterpreted plumage of England’s game birds, this is fine jewelry-as-storytelling at its most colorful and imaginative.
56
SAMANTHA SUNG Korean-born designer Samantha Sung worked at Ralph Lauren for five years before launching her own line in 2006. Characterized by her trademark and original prints, Samantha Sung clothing draws inspiration from the colors of the South Pacific and the spirit of bohemian islands. Elegantly shaped and adorned with handpainted prints, her range of dresses boasts standout pieces perfect for updating modern wardrobes.
SHINOLA The question isn’t why you’d build a watch factory in Detroit, it’s why you’d want to see American jobs go anywhere else. Through four Detroit winters, Shinola has been working to bring manufacturing jobs back to Detroit and back to this country. They build their goods to last, but of all the things they create, American jobs might just be the thing they’re most proud of. Shinola. Where American is Made.
SUNO Max Osterweis conceived of Suno in 2008 after witnessing the postelection violence in Kenya. Using the collection of Kenyan Kangas he gathered over years of traveling, Osterweis joined forces with Erin Beatty, a Parsons graduate and designer for The Gap and Generra, to launch a high-end collection with a conscience. Suno now includes production in Kenya, India, Peru and its home base of New York. Suno utilizes talent from each country to create a fresh, optimistic collection of unique prints, textures and embroideries, layered together to build a bright and modern wardrobe.
SAVE KHAKI Save Khaki United (S.K.U.) is a men’s lifestyle brand of contemporary American sportswear emphasizing comfort and fit. S.K.U. products are everyday essentials: nothing is added without reason and the garments speak for themselves, avoiding gimmicks and trends. The result is an aesthetic that is minimalist at heart. Fabrics are washed and dyed in earthy tones and subdued blues for broken-in comfort. Understated and easily worn.
57
BIGI CRAVATTEMILANO In 1938, Stefano and Paolo Cravatte’s maternal grandfather, Luigi Draghi, opened the family’s first workshop for the production of ties. Since 1954, it has been one of Italy’s most renowned names in ties. In 1990, Stefano and Paolo, a third generation building on their family’s technique of producing exclusive handmade ties, have built a brand known for tradition, creativity and unsurpassed quality in handmade ties.
ZIMMERMANN Sisters Nicky and Simone Zimmermann founded their namesake label in 1991. They fast won a loyal following: smart, sartorially savvy women with an eye for quality fabrics and clever cutting. Zimmermann’s bold original prints create a new point of reference in flattering, sexy ready-towear collections.
GOOD LIFE Good Life believes that the best clothes get out of your way, so you can focus on more important things: living life, working hard, helping others. Good Man Brand’s next-level comfort and innovative, effortless tees, polos and sweatshirts help you look and feel your best. So you can choose what you wear carefully, then forget about it completely — and confidently move on to the day’s good works. Lead. Inspire. Live. Your good life.
58
What’s
NEW
IN DENIM AMO
Introducing our next generation of denim designers RE/DONE
RE/DONE
RTA
AMO
Re/Done jeans are the vintage denim of your dreams, remade in your favorite modern fits. Founded by Sean Barron and Jamie Mazur, Re/Done is restoring individuality to luxury fashion, keeping heritage brands relevant and creating sustainable fashion. Vintage Levi’s denim carries, within its stitching, stories of years of wear — a history of a past life. Like a fine wine, the denim only gets better with age.
Designers Eli Azran and David Rimokh launched the Road to Awe (RTA) with the purpose of creating a movement. A movement of like-minded people that believe clothing should be used as a form of expression. They believe clothing should be effortless and chic. The RTA girl is confident and while the clothes evolve, they empower her and help her convey her indominable spirit.
AMO is the Latin root word for love, which is fittingly applied to how founders and fashion industry vets, Kelly Urban and Misty Zollars, feel about denim. The label was born with a fearless spirit and objective: to create the perfect pair of jeans designed by women who get it. AMO brings back the true intention of denim: to feel real, get better with every wear, and be so comfortable you never want to take them off.
AQUAZZURA Born in Colombia and raised between Miami and London, Edgardo Osorio combines his eye for drop-dead glamour, his passion for modern design and his hand for luxury craftsmanship into desirable footwear. After attending the London College of Fashion and Central Saint Martins, he made his first strides in the footwear world within some of the most prestigious luxury brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Sigerson Morrison, René Caovilla and Roberto Cavalli. In 2011, after working in the industry for 10 years and at just 25 years old, Osorio launched his luxury footwear brand Aquazzura. Striking the perfect balance between modern design and impeccable craftsmanship, Osorio creates stylish yet wearable footwear for the modern woman. He draws his inspiration from European luxury and tradition whilst creating modern shoes that are both sexy and incredibly comfortable, winning him awards such as the Footwear News Best Designer of 2015 award, the Vivian Infantino Emerging Talent Award in 2013 and Elle Spain’s Style Award as the 2014 Best Accessories Designer of t he Year. The Sexy Thing booties, the Belgravia and Christy flats, and the Wild Thing sandals are his signature styles and have been claimed as must-have shoes by top influencers and fashion press. Edgardo Osorio has been featured in numerous top international magazines. His headquarters and Florentine flagship store are situated in the historical Palazzo Corsini along the Arno River, in the heart of Florence and near the best shoemakers and craftspeople in the world. In just four years, Aquazzura has become available in 48 countries within the top retailers of the world. The brand has gained global recognition as an innovator in the footwear industry. On top of his iconic seasonal collections, Osorio has also collaborated with renowned influencers and brands such as Salvatore Ferragamo, with whom he created a capsule collection, Edgardo Osorio x Salvatore Ferragamo, launched in December 2015. This was the first time that the house of Ferragamo has associated themselves with another designer’s name. Aquazzura shoes can be seen on the feet of trendsetters, Hollywood stars, European royalty and fashion insiders around the globe, from Julianne Moore to Jennifer Lawrence, Gwyneth Paltrow to Nicole Kidman, Rihanna to Charlize Theron, and Beyoncé to Diane Kruger, among many other high-profile celebrities.
60
Edgardo Osorio in his Florence, Italy office; Desert Sun shoe available through our stores and online.
“Quite Simply...The Best™” Connecticut 203.353.8000 | marciaselden.com | New York 212.921.4100
THIS PAGE J A C K E T: B O G L I O L I PA N T: A G J E A N S S H I R T: M A U R I Z I O BALDESSARI OPPOSITE SHIRT & SWIM TRUNKS: ORLEBAR BROWN
62
PHOTOGRAPHY: SERGIO KURHAJEC H A I R : M A R C E L I N O G O N Z A L E Z M A K E U P : C L A I R E B AY L E Y S T Y L I N G : W E N D Y M C N E T T
DRESSing FOR A
GOODTIME Bring on the season of fun! Add style and charisma to spring and summer with bright colors, breathable linens, light sportcoats, fun prints and great shades.
63
THIS PAGE PA N T: V I N C E S H I R T: FA H E R T Y OPPOSITE PAGE S H O R T S & S H I R T: PETER MILLAR SUNGLASSES: OLIVER PEOPLES WAT C H : C A RT I E R
64
65
66
MAKING the
SCENE WITH Lightweight sportcoats with colorful pocket squares STYLE and great accessories bring life to the party.
67
THIS PAGE S U I T: B O G L I O L I S H I R T: B R U N E L L O C U C I N E L L I OPPOSITE PAGE P O L O S H I R T & PA N T: A G AV E SUNGLASSES: PERSOL
68
69
OUR STYLE ADVISORS WILL HELP YOU FIND YOUR PERFECT MIX!
WHY A MULTIBRAND STORE?
IT’S ALL IN THE MIX! BY ANDREW MITCHELL-NAMDAR
THE MITCHELLS’ PHILOSOPHY ON WHY A MULTI-BRAND STORE LEADS TO A BETTER WARDROBE.
Multiple designers. An edit customized to the lifestyle and taste of our customers and the climate of our stores. Style Advisors that know you and how to put it all together. One-stop shopping! We believe the best way to build a well thought-out wardrobe
70
is with the guidance, selection and expertise of a store with multiple brands. With a selection of over 400 designers in our collective stores and network, our multibrand stores offer an opportunity to dress all in one brand or mix many different designers to create
a truly signature look. Like your very own closet, our floors and the online access to additional product we offer give you a chance to mix edgy with traditional, high with low or any combination in between for a look that’s all your own.
ZEGNA
AGAVE
JIMMY CHOO ROBERTO CAVALLI
EDGY + TRADITIONAL. A VARIETY OF PRICE POINTS. WHAT’S YOUR PERFECT MIX?
FRANK & EILEEN
J BRAND
VALENTINO
MOTHER DENIM
CÉLINE
ISAIA
DEREK LAM PETER MILLAR
MANOLO BLAHNIK
HENRY BEGUELIN
THE ROW RALPH LAUREN
PT01
BONTONI TO BOOT
NAM CHO
CHLOÉ
LANVIN
SAINT LAURENT
ETON PAOLO COSTAGLI
71
S PR I NG 2 016
AG A D R I A N O G O L D S C H M I E D
DO TELL!
STAY IN THE KNOW ABOUT OUR DESIGNERS & STYLE & TRENDS & MORE!
HAVE YOU SEEN OUR BLOG? We just launched Mitchells Edit and Richards Edit, the ultimate destinations for all things chic. As fashion lovers we have scoured the store, designers, market, media and current events to keep you in the know. Check out our blog to meet the designers and find out about everything from designer launches to relevant trends, our must-haves, lifestyle topics and behindthe-scenes glimpses. We are connecting real people to high fashion. We will help you know what to wear—and how and where to flaunt it! Q
Find your fashion inspiration!
Mitchells Edit blog.mitchellstores.com
Richards Edit blog.mitchellstores.com/richards
MITCHELLS
yle. il fe. st
74
THE NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT
WRAP YOURSELF WITH THE ULTIMATE IN LUXURY AND PERFORMANCE
• Complimentary Loaner Vehicles* • FREE Valet Pickup and Delivery* • Factory Trained Technicians
One of the area’s largest selection of new and certified pre-owned vehicles. *Available for scheduled service appointments.
Call today to book a test drive.
“Exceptional people, personalized service.” Land Rover Milford 825 Bridgeport Ave. Milford, CT 06460
Our new home arrives Fall 2016
203-874-8500 landrovermilford.com
Jaguar Land Rover Fairfield
Stylewatch Spring 2016
MIXING METAPHORS LAYERING, MIXING, MATCHING (& UNMATCHING) PIECES TO MAKE A JEWELRY IMPRINT ALL YOUR OWN.
MATTIA CIELO EXCLUSIVELY OURS 18K ROSE GOLD AND COGNAC DIAMOND BRACELET ON A TITANIUM SPRING CORE FROM THE RUGIADA COLLECTION $15,200
76
EMILY & ASHLEY IN 18K YELLOW GOLD, LEFT TO RIGHT: SPIKE RING WITH GREEN TOURMALINES $3,300; PAVÉ RING WITH EMERALDS $1,500; MONOGRAM RING WITH DIAMONDS $1,795; RUFFLED RING WITH WHITE SAPPHIRES $2,230; SPIKE RING WITH MOONSTONES $2,310; PAVÉ RING WITH DIAMONDS $2,640; RUFFLED LARGE HOOPS WITH TSAVORITE $7,240
JEWELRY Stylewatch
KWIAT
DIAMOND STRINGS, TOP TO BOTTOM: ROUND BRILLIANT AND EMERALD CUT 15.75CT DIAMOND NECKLACE, SET IN PLATINUM, 35.5 INCHES; ROUND BRILLIANT 25.62CT DIAMOND NECKLACE SET IN PLATINUM, 36.25 INCHES; FANCY SHAPE 24.72CT DIAMOND NECKLACE SET IN PLATINUM, 44.5 INCHES Prices Upon Request
77
BLACK & WHITE...
OSCAR HEYMAN
PLATINUM INVISIBLY SET DIAMOND BRACELET 182 SQUARE DIAMONDS 43.26CT, 90 ROUND DIAMONDS 9.37CT 23 BAGUETTE DIAMONDS 3.19CT Price Upon Request
78
3
JEWELRY Stylewatch
& Color!
COOMI LEFT TO RIGHT: AFFINITY 20K YELLOW GOLD RING WITH ROUND ANDULASITE AND DIAMONDS TRINITY; 18K ROSE GOLD CUSHION KUNZITE RING WITH DIAMONDS Prices Upon Request
Mixing colorful diamonds and gemstones into your jewelry wardrobe adds personality that is hard to forget. To make a real statement, don’t be afraid to wear more than one color at a time!
STEPHEN WEBSTER LADY STARDUST CRYSTAL HAZE COLLECTION: 18K WHITE GOLD GREEN AGATE PENDANT, SET WITH WHITE AND BLACK DIAMOND PAVÉ, 30” CHAIN $8,750 NAM CHO 2” BAGUETTE HOOP EARRINGS, LEFT TO RIGHT: 18K WHITE GOLD AND BLACK RHODIUM WITH 9 CT BURMESE RUBIES AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 18K YELLOW GOLD WITH 9 CT YELLOW SAPPHIRES AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 3. 18K WHITE GOLD AND BLACK RHODIUM WITH 9 CT BLUE SAPPHIRES AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 18K WHITE GOLD WITH 9 CT WHITE SAPPHIRES AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 18K WHITE GOLD AND BLACK RHODIUM WITH 8 CT EMERALDS AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 18K PINK GOLD WITH 9 CT PINK SAPPHIRES AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 18K PINK GOLD WITH 9 CT WHITE SAPPHIRES AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS; 18K WHITE GOLD AND BLACK RHODIUM WITH 9 CT BLACK DIAMONDS AND 0.20 CT WHITE DIAMONDS Prices Upon Request
4
79
Building a JEWELRY WARDROBE Michele Romano Diamond & Jewelry Expert, Westport Since 2000 I’ve been working with jewelry for 42 years and am proud to have helped develop our jewelry program. I get to know my clients and what they have in their jewelry wardrobes. Seeing what they have and adding to it is what I love to do best... mixing old with new to step it up a notch.
TEMPLE ST. CLAIR TOP TO BOTTOM: 18K ATHENA OWL RING WITH TANZANITE, ROYAL BLUE MOONSTONE, EMERALD, BLUE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND; 18K ATHENA OWL RING WITH MANDARIN GARNET, ROYAL BLUE MOONSTONE, EMERALD, BLUE SAPPHIRE AND DIAMOND; 18K NOMAD BRACELETS WITH DIAMOND Prices Upon Request
80
JEWELRY Stylewatch
perfectly STACKed
The more bracelets, the better. Bring in bangles and bracelets you want to “play” with, casual or dressy, and we’ll help you build stunning signature ensembles.
CAROLINE ELLEN 18K YELLOW GOLD SINGLE-ROW PAVÉ DIAMOND HINGED BANGLE 2.05CT (shown twice) $18,500 18K YELLOW GOLD PAVÉ FIVEDIAMOND STATION HINGED CUFF 1CT Price Upon Request; 18K YELLOW GOLD THREE-ROW PAVÉ DIAMOND HINGED BANGLE 3.6CT Prices Upon Request
6
81
VINTAGE
meets
MODERN
Mix exquisite new interpretations of vintage with real vintage from your grandmother’s closet. Throw in some clean, modern pieces, too. We’ll help you create a striking balance.
SYLVA & CIE TOP TO BOTTOM: OLD MINE CUT DIAMOND DROP EARRINGS APPROX 4.42 CTS IN 18K YELLOW GOLD Price Upon Request; EMERALD SHAPE ROUGH DIAMOND EARRINGS APPROX 5.06 CTS WITH ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMOND APPROX 0.65 CTS IN 18K YELLOW GOLD $11,375; DIAMOND THORN CUFF IN 18K YELLOW GOLD/OXIDIZED STERLING SILVER WITH APPROX 1.01 CTS SINGLE CUT DIAMOND $12,000; GRAY ROSE CUT DIAMOND CUFF APPROX 4.26 CTS IN 18K YELLOW GOLD $16,125
82
7
Made with pride in Canada.
The Art of Tailoring
HUGO BOSS FASHIONS INC.
CULTURE
SPRING 2016’S HOTTEST FASHION EXHIBIT
MANUS X MACHINA: FASHION IN AN AGE OF TECHNOLOGY
THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART COSTUME INSTITUTE’S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED SPRING 2016 SHOW, MAY 5 TO AUGUST 14, 2016 The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute is following up its wildly successful China: Through the Looking Glass with a spring show that promises to draw even larger crowds. Featuring a technology component sponsored by Apple, Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology is about the relationship between fashion and technology and its evolution. There is a major focus on fashion’s journey toward industrialization and mass production, the relationship between hand and machine in the creative process, and the significance of the historic distinction between haute
86
couture and ready-to-wear. Featuring over 100 ensembles from the 1880s to today, the exhibit promises to display sumptuous eye candy from designers including Cristobal Balenciaga, John Galliano for Christian Dior, Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, Hubert de Givenchy, Yves St. Laurent, Alexander Wang, Helmut Lang, Maison Margiela and dozens of fashion’s most creative superstars. Speaking about the process of choosing the theme of the new exhibit, Thomas P. Campbell, director and CEO
of the Metropolitan Museum, says, “Fashion and technology are inextricably connected, more so now than ever before. It is therefore timely to examine the roles that the handmade and the machine-made have played in the creative process. Often presented as oppositional, this exhibition proposes a new view in which the hand and the machine are mutual and equal protagonists. “Traditionally, the distinction between the haute couture and prêt-à-porter was based on the handmade and the machinemade, but recently this distinction has become increasingly blurred as both disciplines have embraced the practices and techniques of the other,” said Andrew Bolton, curator of The Costume Institute. Manus x Machina will challenge the conventions of the hand/machine dichotomy, and propose a new paradigm germane to our age of digital technology.” The Robert Lehman Wing galleries will feature handmade haute couture pieces alongside machine-made readyto-wear garments. A traditional workshop featuring “embroidery, feathers, pleating, knitting, lacework, leatherwork, braiding and fringe work” will be part of the exhibit. This contrasts pieces made from new technology such as 3D printing with computer modeling. The 2016 Met Gala on May 2 will be co-hosted by Taylor Swift, Idris Elba, Jonathan Ive and Anna Wintour. Honorary Chairs include Nicolas Ghesquière, Karl Lagerfeld and Miuccia Prada. Whether or not you are lucky enough to attend what will arguably be fashion’s hottest ticket of the year, the exhibit, which runs through August 14, is one you won’t want to miss.
87
INTRIGUING PEOPLE
FRIENDS OF MITCHELL STORES
SHATTERPROOF’S
GARY MENDELL
A CEO/FATHER’S VISION TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN FROM DRUG & ALCOHOL ADDICTION.
“DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION IS THE THIRD DEADLIEST DISEASE IN THE U.S. OTHER MAJOR DISEASES ALL HAVE LARGE NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS TO COMBAT THEM. IT’S TIME WE HAD ONE FOR ADDICTION.” Sometimes, the world’s most powerful ideas are the simplest. Such was the revelation Gary Mendell experienced when distilling his pain and anguish at the loss of his son Brian into five words on a piece of paper. The then CEO of HEI Hotels & Resorts was immobilized by his son’s suicide at age 25 after celebrating 13 months in successful recovery from drug addiction. As a promise to his son, Mendell is making sure that Brian’s tragedy was not in vain. He is channeling the power and knowledge gained on their journey into a broad, visionary approach to facing the national epidemic of addiction head on.
88
HOW DID THE IDEA TO START SHATTERPROOF COME TO YOU? After losing Brian, I couldn’t move for a long time. I struggled with what I had done wrong as a father, how I had let my son down. People who knew Brian in rehab kept calling me and telling me stories about how he had stayed up all night convincing them life was worth living. One woman told me that the first day she was admitted she saw this kid walking around the track and hoped he wouldn’t stop to talk to her. She said he walked up to her, gave her a hug and whispered in her ear, “It’s going to be OK.” People begged me to send them a
memento of Brian, a shoelace, anything. Over the next several months, trying to make sense of what happened, I wrote down several words that were haunting me. The first was “big.” When Brian was alive, I had no conception of how big this was. I thought I was one of only a few in my town with an addicted child, always wondering, “What did I do wrong?” I learned there are at least 22 to 25 million people addicted in the U.S. That’s 1 in 10 people above the age of 12! With 4 people in a family, that’s approximately 85 million people who have addiction in their immediate family, 1/4 of American families. It’s the third largest cause of death, with 135,000 people dying alcohol and drugrelated deaths every year. The second word was “children.” I learned that over 80% of those addicted had become addicted before their 18th birthday. We as a society were not protecting our teens, when their brains were not fully developed, and so vulnerable to becoming addicted. The third word was “tragic.” Our national institutes of health have spent over $20 billion in research and successfully created programs proven to 1) reduce the number of teens that become addicted and 2) improve outcomes in treatment. All this information was sitting in medical journals, however most of it was not being implemented. I crossed out “tragic” and wrote “hope.” I didn’t have to recreate the wheel, just implement what we already knew, which I knew I could do with my background in business. The fourth word was “stigma.” I realized the reason the nation hasn’t mobilized these efforts is because of the stigma of addiction. Most people blame those with this disease and think it’s fine if they go ahead and kill themselves. 30% of those addicted won’t even consider treatment because they’re so ashamed. I believe Brian took his life because of the shame he felt. The fifth word, or words, were “national organization.” There were well-funded national organizations pioneering research, advocating for public policies, working to implement research that has proven to be effective, reducing unjust stigma, and providing information, support and hope for other major diseases. Except no such organization existed for addiction. I looked down at the five words and then up
Russ Mitchell rappelling at the Fairfield County Shatterproof Challenge fundraising event at One Landmark Square in Stamford, CT.
at the last picture ever taken of Brian alive, a picture I had taken when he stopped to help someone on the street while we were biking to dinner in California, and it all came together. I spoke to my wife, called my investors, tapped my successor and dedicated the rest of my life to building an organization committed to protecting our loved ones from addiction to illicit and prescription drugs and alcohol, and ending the stigma and suffering of those affected by this disease. IN BOLD STROKES, THE LARGE AREAS TO FOCUS ON ARE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT. WHAT IS SHATTERPROOF DOING IN THE WAY OF PREVENTION? Right now the largest national program for prevention is D.A.R.E., which is in 75% of middle schools. Town by town, local policemen come in and educate kids about drugs. Studies have proven that D.A.R.E. doesn’t work. One program that was developed for middle school, Life Skills, combined with a family program entitled Strengthening Families, has been proven in controlled tests to be much more effective. Only 4% of schools use Life Skills and hardly any are combining it with Strengthening Families. When you put these together they can decrease the rate of addiction by 20 to 30%. Two years ago a woman in Chicago whose son had died of an overdose asked me what she could do. I said to convince her school to switch to Life Skills. She did it. Another program called SBIRT is very effective for early intervention for youth with risky behavior. We are working hard to get it implemented on a larger, national scale.
ANY IDEAS ON STRENGTHENING TREATMENT OPTIONS? IT SEEMS MANY ADDICTS ARE ALWAYS IN AND OUT OF REHAB PROGRAMS. The treatment system in the U.S. started in the 1930s when AA was founded by middle-aged men who were struggling with the addiction to alcohol. This become the treatment system for alcohol and drugs that took hold based on abstinence and 12 steps, which has proven very effective for alcohol and many other addictions. However in the last 20 years, the National Institute for Drug Abuse has conducted billions of dollars in research to improve outcomes in treating addiction. The results have been significant. For example, if someone is addicted to opiates, research indicates that the probability of successful recovery is significantly improved with Medication Assisted Treatment. BUT TREATMENT ISN’T COVERED BY INSURANCE, IS IT? Actually, now, thanks to the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, it is. It was landmark legislation passed in 2008 which became effective in 2015, that recognizes addiction and mental health as diseases and mandates insurance companies insure them “in parity” with physical diseases: same cost and same quality of care. WHAT ARE SOME THINGS WE CAN ALL DO TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE? Engage with Shatterproof as advocates, volunteers and donors, or participate in our fundraising events. As a first step, the easiest thing for someone to do is go to our website at shatterproof.org and enter your email address and zipcode to start receiving
our monthly updates. This fall we will be launching a new website with comprehensive evidence-based information on how to prevent, treat and recover from this disease. Related to advocacy, the key issues we are currently focused on are supporting the CDC in their issuance of Guidelines on the Prescribing of Opioids for Chronic Pain. The CDC spent the last year developing guidelines for primary care doctors on when the benefits outweigh the risks of prescribing the very addictive prescription opioid painkillers. They were supposed to be issued in January 2016, and have been delayed under intense lobbying funded by the companies that profit from the sale of these frequently deadly pills. HOW DO YOU KNOW THE MITCHELLS? I’ve always shopped in their stores and love how they treat their customers. I was in the general manager’s office at one of my hotels a few years ago and saw Hug Your Customer by Jack Mitchell on his shelf. I took a picture and emailed Jack, and we had lunch together. When I described Shatterproof, it led to me introducing the family to what we’re doing. A year and half ago, Russ Mitchell was coincidentally introduced by a friend and he’s now on our Advisory Board. HOW DO YOU RAISE FUNDS FOR SHATTERPROOF? Instead of doing 5Ks or bike rides, we hold rapelling events, in which people get sponsored to rapel public buildings, which is a lot of fun. The Mitchells will be hosting a big fundraiser at Richards in fall 2016, details to come. I hope to see you all there! To make a donation, become a corporate sponsor or get involved with Shatterproof, see shatterproof.org or contact Rick Lund, rlund@shatterproof.org.
89
You won’t find them in ordinary kitchens. Or at ordinary stores. Sub-Zero, the preservation specialist. Wolf, the cooking specialist. You’ll find them only at your local kitchen specialist.
2770 Summer Street U Stamford, CT 06905 U 203-327-2630 www.countytv.com
INTRODUCING THE
OF GREENWICH A Private Escape to Fill Your Time Beautifully...
O P E N 7 D AY S A W E E K
ƒ (XTENDED HOURS
Extensive Cigar Menu Personal Humidified Lockers Private Conference Rooms HD TV’s Gift Certificates Available
M E M B E R S H I P S N O W AVA I L A B L E Annual Memberships • Corporate Memberships • Day, Week & Month Passes
The perfect gift for the person who has everything.
79 E PUTNAM AVENUE, GREENWICH, CT Located in the Outdoor Traders building, across from Whole Foods.
www.davidoff-lounge.com ƒ www.tobacconistofgreenwich.com for membership information 203.717.1900 ƒ 203.869.5401
ROMANCE IN THE AIR PHOT OGRA PHY: SE R GI O KU R H A JE C HA IR/ M A K EUP: GR E GG H U B B A R D ST YLING: W E NDY MCNE T T
92
Opposite page LACE BLOUSE: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI OVERLAY: L’AGENCE JEANS: AMO ESPADRILLE: GUCCI This page BLAZER: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI SHIRT: L’AGENCE JEANS: RE/DONE CLUTCH: GUCCI
93
94
TOP: WES GORDON PANTS: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI HANDBAG: CELINE SWEATER: THE ROW SANDALS: PRADA
95
96
This page DRESS: LANVIN WATCH: CARTIER SHOES: JIMMY CHOO Opposite page TOP & PANT: IRIS VON ARNIM SHOES & HANDBAG: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
97
This page TWO-PIECE TOP: NINA RICCI Opposite page ROMPER: ZIMMERMAN EARRINGS: LORI ANN
98
99
DRESS: L’AGENCE SNEAKERS: BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
100
101
TOP: IRIS VON ARNIM EARRINGS & BRACELET: STEPHEN WEBSTER
102
VIEWPOINTS
HAVING THEIR SAY
FATHER VS. SONS
TWO GENERATIONS OF TASTEMAKERS, BILL MITCHELL AND SONS CHRIS & SCOTT MITCHELL, FACE OFF ON WHAT’S HOT AND WHAT’S NOT...
106
BILL
SCOTT & CHRIS
WHITE TROUSERS
They’re back! I think they’re cool. They’re somewhere between a basic and a fashion statement. I love ’em!
CHRIS: I love wearing a great
JUMPSUITS
I think on the right woman it’s a great look. They’re sexy.
SCOTT: Love them… even
POCKET DIALING
It happens all the time. I have fun with it. Sometimes I listen for a few minutes to get the dirt from kids, even my wife. Most times you can’t decipher it, but I strain to hear!
pair of 5-pocket white jeans in the summer with cool sneakers, a short-sleeve shirt and a blue blazer!
for a petite lady. If done well, it is really stylish. Cucinelli!
CHRIS: Never intended! But
the outcomes have proven to be ultra comical from time to time!
BILL
SCOTT & CHRIS
THE “UNDERCUT”
How would I know? I have no hair!
CHRIS: Not a fan —
FLATS WITH A DRESS
Not one of my favorite looks. Pushing 73, I’m used to heels with a dress.
SCOTT: Summer on the grass or on the beach, heels are a pain! Go with a stylish flat!
LAST BOOK YOU READ
I just read a book From Grit to Great by Robin Koval and Linda Kaplan Thaler. I’m so ADD, I need thin books. To me the word “grit” means hard work and integrity, which is the culture of our business.
SCOTT: The Cartel and
TOP TRIP ON BUCKET LIST
I’m taking it actually. I’m going up the Danube on a river barge to Vienna and Budapest and the prized jewel, Prague.
CHRIS: Bandon Dunes —
HOT JEWELRY DESIGNER
Sylva & Cie. Her pieces are unique and current, but timeless.
SCOTT: Stephen Webster and Nak Armstrong! Great new additions!
BEST-DRESSED PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFUL
I wish Lester Holt of NBC Nightly News and Scott Pelley of CBS Evening News and 60 Minutes were on the ticket!
#circa1970!
The Short and Tragic Life of Robert Peace… both are must reads!
Oregon Coast Golf Heaven, San Juan Islands just North of Seattle — I heard they are amazing! Bora Bora — I’d love to stay out on the water in one of those romantic huts!
SCOTT: I think I’ll
have to go with “no comment.”
107
170 Mason Street Greenwich, CT
[
Tel. 203.489.3800
[
www.hiltonarchitects.com
profile Samuelsohn:
The Big Reveal
Tailored clothing’s best-kept secret comes out of the closet! BY KAREN ALBERG GROSSMAN
These days, as business dress codes remain relaxed, men are choosing to wear fine tailored clothing because they want to, not because they have to. And men in the know are choosing Samuelsohn, an exceptional but low-profile clothing company that’s been crafting beautiful suits in Montreal since 1923. But low profile no more, new ownership at this Canadian company relaunched the brand in 2011 and business has more than doubled. Much of the credit goes to the company’s new president and chief creative officer, Arnold Brant Silverstone, a talented designer and visionary executive who lives and breathes the clothing business. Upon taking over, he quickly recognized a “diamond in the rough” and immediately updated the label, the logo, the fabrics, the fits, the colors, the buttons, the linings, the marketing and more. What
110
remains constant: Samuelsohn’s commitment to exceptional quality, and the “expression” of its full-canvas hand-tailored suits that both fit and flatter the wearer. “I feel like I’ve come full circle,” says Silverstone, a third-generation clothing guy who grew up in his father’s suit factory in Montreal. “I’d always known and respected the Samuelsohn brand, Canada’s quintessential quality suit maker. (My father wore Samuelsohn suits!) As my career moved forward—from my father’s company to launching my own clothing label (that I ultimately sold to Oxford) to becoming design director at Nordstrom—I always dreamed of returning to manufacturing. When Samuelsohn was bought by Stephen Granovsky in 2010, I was recommended for the job of president, and felt it was exactly where I belonged.” hat makes Samuelsohn clothing so special? Silverstone could go on for hours. “First of all, the suits are a rare combination of modern styling and classic tailoring, featuring fully basted canvas construction and hand-tailored details. Since all garments are produced in our own factory, we control every step of the process. Second, we are known for innovation, e.g. we were the first to come out with luxury performance fabrics that are cool, comfortable and wrinkle resistant; we’ve even developed clothing with carbon fiber! Third, we have the cleanest distribution in the industry: we don’t sell to outlets, only the best specialty stores in North America. Fourth of course is our tremendous intrinsic value: there’s more craftsmanship in a Samuelsohn garment than in most Italian brands that are double the price. (Canada’s duty advantages and exchange rates offer additional value for American customers.) Fifth, our made-to-measure programs are the best in the industry. Sixth is our company culture: although we’re privately owned, we’re run more like a family business than a large corporation, with emphasis on customer service, personal relationships and employee appreciation. “I know it sounds counterintuitive, but making money is not our number-one priority; we’re more concerned with providing the best goods at the best value and satisfying our customers so they’ll keep coming back.” And come back they do! For spring ’16, check out the beautifully tailored Samuelsohn clothing arriving on our selling floor now. For practical types, we love the performance suit in a Loro Piana Storm System fabric with stretch. (It’s waterproof, wrinkle resistant and amazingly comfortable!) Or try the updated luxury travel blazer with 12 pockets and extra zippers. For nights and weekends, there’s an amazing washed cashmere sportcoat. And to make a bold fashion statement, why not a beautifully tailored striped DB suit in a hot shade of blue? Which is his favorite? “It’s like asking a parent to choose his favorite child,” Silverstone responds. So we’ll let you, our customers, be the judge…
111
WORKWEAR ESSENTIALS FOR SPRING ’16 AND HOW TO WEAR THEM
LOSE THESE OUTDATED LOOKS AND UPGRADE NOW!
113
1.
WHAT TO WEAR NOW
THE KNIT BLAZER
TEXTURE ADDS VISUAL INTEREST
SEASONAL FABRIC AND UNLINED INTERIOR KEEP YOU COOL
2.
3.
NARROW LAPELS MAKE IT MODERN
Some guys have taken the “casual” part too far. Stay professional in a linencotton blend sportcoat that keeps you cool under pressure. This versatile knit blazer is unlike anything else in your wardrobe: polished and sophisticated without sacrificing an ounce of comfort. Tailored fivepocket pants in lightweight wool are just formal enough, and a dress shirt and knit tie complete the look.
BUSINESS CASUAL 4. LET ABOUT HALF AN
INCH OF YOUR SHIRT SLEEVES PEEK OUT
114
WHAT TO WEAR NOW
P R O D U C E R / S T Y L I S T: M I C H A E L F U S C O . P H O T O G R A P H E R : E VA N TAY L O R G U N V I L L E . G R O O M E R : A M Y Z D U N O W S K I - R O E D E R . M O D E L : J U S T I N M C M A N U S @ F O R D . C O P Y: J I L L I A N L A R O C H E L L E .
THE NEW BLUE SUIT Black and charcoal feel too heavy for the warmer months, and the fit of your older suits is likely doing you a disservice. To show you mean business, choose a blue slim-fit suit that follows the natural slope of your shoulder, nips in at the waist and breaks just slightly at the shoe. This color is less inky than traditional navy but is just as easy to wear. Pair with brown monkstraps and furnishings in seasonal hues.
5.
STICK TO YOUR NATURAL SHOULDER
6. JACKET HITS AT TOP OF THIGH
BIG MEETING 7.
ADD MONKSTRAPS TO YOUR FOOTWEAR ARSENAL
TAPERED TROUSERS SHOULD BREAK SLIGHTLY AT THE TOP OF YOUR SHOE
8. 115
designers
WORK IT OUR FAVORITE MEN IN FASHION TALK FIRST JOBS AND SURPRISING JOURNEYS TO THE TOP. BY JILLIAN LAROCHELLE
GIANLUCA ISAIA, ISAIA My first job was in London, folding shirts in a shop for £25 a week. This position eventually led me to my current role because I was (and still am) the best folding man around! The best part about my job as CEO of Isaia is that I wake up in the morning happy to go to work…
SEBASTIAN DOLLINGER, ETON My first real job was actually unpaid since I dropped out of school (truth be told I was kicked out). My father helped me get a trainee job at a local hotel where I cleaned rooms, worked with the maintenance team and helped out in the conference center. I think my father thought that because I was doing this rather boring job at 16, I would reconsider my decision to drop out and return to school. I can’t say I enjoyed working at the hotel but at least I learned I never want to work at hotels. I enlisted in the army at 17 against my will and I was out of the hotel world after six months. After 10 months in the army service and another less successful career at a reception job, I moved back to my old hometown and applied for a position in the warehouse at Eton. That was my first job in the business. I was about to turn 19 and through Eton I heard about a sales rep position at Harrods in London. I got the job and that became the starting point to my career in fashion. I love working at Eton because of my colleagues. I get to travel to so many interesting places, I find time to play with my band, Highly Sedated, and I have a genuine passion for what I do. I have found a profession that I enjoy doing so much so it rarely feels like I'm working. That has got to be the ultimate feeling. I guess it's a matter of finding what you love and then going out of your way to do it. I have worked hard to get where I am today, but the rewarding everyday feeling makes it all worth it.
ADAM DERRICK, TO BOOT NEW YORK When I was 15 I got my first summer job at Macy's Herald Square. The position I ended up with was working the switchboard taking complaints! I don't remember how much it paid, but it wasn't much and definitely not enough! Even though I went from the employee entrance directly up to my job, I always spent some time before or after my shift in the store. I loved the constantly changing displays and the energy and interaction on the sales floor. Since founding To Boot New York, I get to do a lot of different things and exercise a lot of different muscles, creative as well as business. I work with great people, and enjoy my interactions with my colleagues and customers. I am a lucky man!
118
BRUNELLO CUCINELLI, BRUNELLO CUCINELLI From 15 to 25 I went to school and received my diploma in surveying. I must confess that I never studied much; I lacked sufficient motivation and drew little satisfaction from poring over books. Nevertheless, I passed the final examination and enrolled in the faculty of engineering. I attended for roughly three years, but during this period I sat only one examination. The most important event of that period, and indeed of the subsequent periods, was my meeting the woman who was to become my wife: we were both around 17 years old; she had just finished her studies in accounting and had decided to open a small clothes shop. It was through participating with her in this activity that I rediscovered a feeling for beauty and began to appreciate fashion. A very important aspect of that period was the culture of “bars”: the Italian café. It became my social outlet on a daily basis; that was where we met in the evening, seven or eight people (in those days only men), from all social classes, in a friendly atmosphere of mutual respect. There were industrialists and blue-collar workers, as well as layabouts (I confess I was one of them). It was much more than just a place to pass the time; we spent hours discussing a wide range of issues, engaged in uninterrupted debate. These are my memories of what was both entertainment and learning, lessons of life, different from schooling, vivid, cherished and authentic. The years rolled on and I began to wonder what I would do with my life. Thanks to my fiancée and her shop, I was developing a keen interest in knitwear; then, like now, it was a distinctive tradition in Umbria. Therefore, I came to the idea of producing pullovers in colored cashmere, and it should be said that this product was something of an innovation. I wanted to create a company that stood behind living a high quality of life. I watched my father be humiliated as a farmer and treated poorly at work, so it inspired me to make a change. I chose cashmere because of its ability to be passed down for generations. It is something you can cherish and enjoy for many years. The best part of my success is the ability to give back and continue the message of living in a humanistic way. I have also been able to meet fascinating, like-minded people who share the same passions.
119
in-store services
EXPERTISE
MADE-TO-MEASURE
Our legendary Style Advisors have been with us an average of over 10 years and are passionate about developing trusted relationships with customers and advising on all clothing, jewelry and accessory matters. They always go the extra mile to ensure that your shopping experience is efficient and enjoyable and that you are fabulously well dressed.
In all of our stores, we are known for our extraordinary Made-to-Measure Advisors, who will help you create bespoke suits, shirts, sportcoats and more. Choose from exquisite fabrics, buttons, linings and details from the world’s top fashion houses. Custom shoes, leather goods and other items are also available by request.
COMPLIMENTARY GIFT WRAP
CLOSET CLEANING
BESPOKE JEWELRY
The only thing nicer than buying our merchandise is gifting it. We make it even nicer with complimentary wrapping. You choose the perfect gift… we’ll do the rest.
To help you integrate new purchases with old, enjoy a complimentary closet consultation. A Style Advisor will visit your home and make suggestions on how to edit, mix and match your wardrobe. An expert tailor can be on hand for adjustments. If desired, we will also create a photo catalog of your wardrobe for future reference.
As a full-service jeweler, we offer custom design services and can help you design the piece of your dreams. You can work with your own sketch, or with a famed design studio such as Kwiat or Oscar Heyman, to turn what’s in your head into something on your neck... or wrist... or ears... or finger!
CLOTHING DONATIONS Service is important to us, not only in our stores, but also in our community. We will help you clear out unwanted items in your closet, while providing for a local charity. We coordinate the donation and will even make the delivery for you.
FASHION EMERGENCIES You never know when a fashion emergency will strike, so we’re always prepared, even after hours — just dial your main store number and follow the prompts to be connected to one of our family’s homes, and we’ll come to your rescue!
120
VIRTUAL CLOSET Through our new MWorld services, we keep a visual electronic inventory of your wardrobe to remind you and your Style Advisor of what you have and in what size. A wardrobe is a serious investment. There is no substitute for building it wisely, with the guidance of someone who takes the time to know your wardrobe, lifestyle and needs.
COMPLIMENTARY ALTERATIONS Whether you purchase in-store or online, we offer complimentary expert alterations on all regularly priced merchandise. Down to the last detail, we ensure that each article is tailored masterfully just for you. Alteration fees apply only on sale items 40% off or more.
RETURN & EXCHANGE POLICY We want you to be 100% satisfied with everything you buy. If you are not completely happy with a purchase, feel free to bring it back within a reasonable period of time. We want to make sure you love your new items as much when you get home as you did in the store!
AT YOUR SERVICE SERVICE IS
PARAMOUNT.
HOME DELIVERY We understand you have a busy schedule and want to do all we can to lessen the demands on your time. This is why we provide local delivery if you live in a reasonable proximity to our stores.
REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT We understand how precious your time is. Call or email your Style Advisor for an appointment and we’ll get you in and out with record speed!
ABUNDANT PARKING
BUTTON UP
To ensure your shopping experience is as stress-free as possible, at many of our stores we provide you with ample complimentary parking that is both convenient and secure.
A loose thread or button can be just the thing that unravels your day. Bring in any suit or outerwear with buttons that need repair and we’ll re-attach or tighten them for you, on site and free of charge.
CAPPUCCINO, COFFEE, DRINK & SNACK BAR
FUR CLEANING, STORAGE & REFURBISHMENT
In this hectic world, sometimes a hot cup of coffee is just what you need... Cold drinks, snacks and M&Ms are always on hand for a pick-me-up, too.
We offer a full array of fur services, including climate-controlled storage and fur makeovers through Oscar de la Renta Furs. Come for a free consultation and see how we can transform a dated fur into a new favorite.
FAMILY FRIENDLY As a family business, we feel it is essential to create a shopping experience that can be enjoyed by the whole family. At all of our stores, we provide interactive play areas so your time with us can be relaxed and your children can have fun. Treats and soft drinks are always on hand.
To really understand ourIt impacts service, only everyyou facet of our business, fromto our experience ability to bring youit. worldhave classour fashions to the friendly, You, customers knowledgeable sales associates who and areYou, atour customers helpfriends, and guide you. theandheart we at the friends,of areall ultimately of all that we do, and do,heart and we strive towe strive to constantly exceed your expectations. If constantly exceed your for some reason you feel that the level expectations. In-store of service we provide does not meet your expectations, us know. and now onlineplease as let well, we are available 24/7 to answer any of your questions or requests – big or small. Connect via email or call 203.227.5165.
CLICK & SHOP NOW! Shopping our clothing, accessory & jewelry collections, curated from the world over, has never been easier.
IRENE NEUWIRTH
IRENE NEUWIRTH
M I TC H E L L STO R E S .CO M
MITCHELLS/RICHARDS
FORUM SPRING 2016