There's so much that folks don't know about me, my industry contributions, valued relationships, and my overall journey because most life moments I savor and treasure privately vs share on social. My social shares serve as sort of a visual journal of life moments that I want to hold close in heart, and last nite was one those moments!
A little backstory and a bit of retail history : During my 6 year tenure at Henri Bendel, I became Sales Director of Advanced Designer collections. This was the era of "exclusives" at retail and the competition for finding newness was fierce - if Chivari, Barney's, or Bergdof's had it, we couldn't. At the time, Rick was a little known cult brand carried retail at Maxfield's on the West coast. My buyer, Shelly Sams, who had the most exquisite and impeccable eye in the business for new and next, bought the line, thus launching and giving Rick Owens an East coast home exclusively at Bendels - and the rest is history! I distinctly remember all the mannequins on the 2/3 mezzanine and feature windows dressed in Rick Owens - NY had seen nothing like it, a brand attribute that remains: distinct in design, look, feel, and appeal!
I last saw and spoke with Rick during my tenure as Fashion Director at
@essence . Essence was one of the 1st magazines to feature Rick editorially - fashion pages, on Diana Ross, and a young Venus and Serena Williams for the cover, yet since Essence is not considered a fashion magazine and Rick's success was not at this pinnacle, few know. Whenever I had to do red carpet for Essence, I would reach out to Rick and he would accommodate me.
@darlenegillardjones
do you remember me sending you to meet and chat up Michele with your French at her resturant across the street from Rick's then LA studio/home?
Fast forward a zillion years later and the "giving" universe provided an opportunity to reconnect, reminisce, and rejoice in a shared history.
Heartfelt thanks to Jacob for the invite, for whisking me past the lines and throngs of devoted fans directly to Rick and to the majestic RO staff who captured all so beautifully - y'all truly made a girl feel special and loved!🙏🏾❤️ #theJOYisinthejourney #piecesofadream
