We recently discovered www.elysewalker.com and have been stalking it ever since. www.elysewalker.com is a place where East Coast meets west, uptown-chic mingles with downtown cool, and the highly curated mix of merchandise is both visually stunning and sartorially inspiring. Live in California? Visit her store located at 15306 Antioch st. Pacific Palisades, CA. 90272
We’re certain the founder, Elyse Walker, is soon to be a household name and we feel privileged to have been able to interview her. The finer things keep shining through…..
1. Your store has become so popular, even having mentions in Vogue and O magazine, how did you get started and what do you think has been your key to success?
I grew up in New York working in my family's shoe store, so you could say I have retail in my blood. If I had to pinpoint one thing that has made Elyse Walker successful, it's that the customer always comes first. No matter how busy my team is with projects or merchandising, everything stops the second a customer needs help.
2. You recently launched your online boutique, www.elysewalker.com, "where west and east coasts meet." What would you say is the difference in fashion trends between the two coasts and how does elysewalker.com find the perfect balance?
On the East Coast, people tend to to invest in key items for each season and the street style is very sophisticated. Fashion in LA is faster and more trend-driven. So, I love mixing in a funky or whimsical piece to soften a serious East Coast look or adding an elegant East Coast twist to elevate a trendy West Coast look.
3. We also love your online magazine, EW Magazine, what was the inspiration behind that?
I created Elyse Walker Magazine as a way to bring my clients behind the scenes with me and my buyers. It's a way for us to show how fashion makes its way from the runway to the showroom to the sales floor and then, finally, into your closet.
4. You are building a mini empire for yourself! Stylist, boutique owner, online retailer, magazine editor - do you have a favorite? Is there one that holds a special place in your heart for some reason?
I am still a sales girl at heart and am told that I am one of the only store owners that still works her sales floor. I adore my customers and enjoy giving each one of them a new, head-toe look each time they come in. Working the sales floor also helps me as a buyer, since I can see how the customers are responding to the merchandise.
5. If you had to choose two designers to wear for the rest of your life, who would they be?
Prada has always been my go-to. It takes me from day to night, the pieces are timeless, and the fit is amazing. The other would have to be Givenchy. I love the clean lines and edgy style Riccardo Tisci has infused the label with.
6. Who is your favorite up and coming designer right now?
Kit Willow is definitely an emerging designer to watch. Her label, Willow, is made up of classic, elegant separates, but each one has an interesting detail that makes you want to look closer.
7. What should every woman have in her closet?
A Nancy Gonzalez crocodile clutch. Whenever I'm in a rush and have to run to a dinner or event, I simply change my shoes and add a Nancy Gonzalez bag. I've collected more than ten of her crocodile clutches over the years. My favorite colors are emerald for fall and canary yellow for spring and summer.
8. Many people think they can't be fashionable on a budget. What are your tips for the fashion lover on a budget?
Scour the racks at Zara and Topshop. They have fabulous pieces that look like they came right off the runway. Steve Madden does a great job with shoes. (Steve shops at my shoe store every month and quizzes my footwear team on what's selling. He has even named shoes after my sales girls.)
9. Of all the places you have traveled, what city has the most unique style? The most glamorous? The most surprising?
No one dresses better than the people of Milan. Men and women are dressed to the nines every day. It really is worth the trip to see the unique street style. It's also an amazing city to window shop in. The best designers in the world all have boutiques there, and it's inspiring to see how they merchandise their store windows with the most glamorous clothing and accessories in the world.
10. What is your favorite piece of clothing in your closet today?
My J. Mendel fur vest, because it instantly chics up any outfit. By day, I throw it on with jeans and a t-shirt. At night, I'll wear it over a dress. It was definitely worth the investment.
11. What is the best advice you have ever received?
Someone once told me, "This is only one chapter in your life. Enjoy the ride," and I've always remembered that. Elyse Walker the store is only one small part of who I am. Whenever I get stressed, I try to remember that piece of advice and never forget to have fun with my staff and clients. After all, this is just fashion.
12. You have traveled the world. What packing tips can you share with our readers?
I pack my outfits in two-gallon Ziploc bags. This way, I don't have to dig around my bag to put my outfit together when I'm rushing to get ready.
13. Which Spring collections are you dying to share with your customers?
Stella McCartney and Givenchy. They are to-die-for!
14. What is next for Elyse Walker?
We are working to continually to bring our elysewalker.com customers a well-edited selection of the best established and up-and-coming designers. In the new year we will be adding video content, styling tips, and other interactive features to our site. We hope you'll check it out!
