50 Shades of Prep
Postponed due to Sandy, the program was held on December 1. The morning interview and discussion featuring G. Bruce Boyer, acclaimed menswear journalist and Celebrity Stylist, Cliff Hoppus was a treasure trove of information and having Bruce take the group through the Ivy Style exhibition really added insight into the show, as well as this style of dress that has been America’s gift to the world of dressing starting in the 1920’s , particularly in menswear.
The winner from the Preppy Pinterest contest was announced during the lunch break. It was hard to choose a winner, but in the end, Gerardo Giannetti won! See his Preppy Lifestyle board below.
The afternoon trips included the new Brooks Bros. concept store “Flatiron” where the manager Anne Alcocer gave a welcome and talked about the Brooks strategy to attract a younger customer in addition to their loyal following in their traditional stores. The store at 19th and Broadway is a treat to visit. The next stop was the iconic flagship Brooks Bros. Store at 44th and Madison for an insightful comparison. Ronald Ferguson, concierge gave an escorted tour of several floors and made sure that we also got a look at both the women’s and children’s clothing – all just beautiful.
The next stop was Paul Stuart where Mona Reilly greeted our group and gave the background info on this still privately owned civilized and warm luxury store. One of the highlights of the day was provided by Ralph Auriemma, designer for Paul Stuart and specifically for their upscale Phineas Cole line. Ralph was on hand to talk to us about the designer aspects of the business and how he got started and works today. After a quick run through J. Press up the street, the program wrapped up with a personal tour by Douglas Geller at Gant on 5th Ave with a great assortment of men’s women’s and kid’s, once again underscoring the morning message that prep is really a lifestyle.
Our attendees thought the program was amazing and were thrilled that we spent so much time on men’s and we promised to cover the men’s business more fully in the future. We thank all the retailers who welcomed us, in spite of the fact that Christmas business was going on.
Don’t forget to check out the exhibit before it closes!!
EXHIBITION: IVY STYLE
Through January 5
Special Exhibitions Gallery, The Museum at FIT
The evolution of Ivy League fashion is featured in this exhibition, focusing on three important time periods: the interwar years of the 1920s and 1930s, the post-war era to the end of the 1960s, and the style’s revival from the 1980s to the present. Looks created by companies such as J. Press and Brooks Brothers as well as contemporary interpretations of the style from Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger are on view.