New York-based t-shirt label Lilla P. is taking retail matters into its own hands. Next Tuesday, the brand opens the doors to its first free-standing store in the Meatpacking District.
Husband and wife team Thomas and Pauline Nakios founded the brand in 1998 based around a single idea: finding the perfect tee. In the almost 13 years since, the line has evolved from classic t-shirts (the original was a short sleeved one-size-fits-all crew in 5 colors) to a variety of separates including jackets, sweaters, dresses and skirts.
The 400-square-foot jewel box of a boutique is located between 9th Avenue and Washington Street on West 14th Street, also home to Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Jeffrey's. But the high-end neighbors don't intimidate the gentler priced Lilla P. "I just feel fortunate that rather than blend in we stand out. It's almost like you don't want to be the most expensive house on the block," Pauline Nakios told WWD. "There's no reason that someone buying a Stella McCartney jacket is not going to come to us for her layering pieces."
Although small in size, she maintains that the boutique is an extension of the brand. High ceilings, clean lines and the clothing used as the space's main source of color. "It's a mirror of who we are. Welcoming and approachable."
The duo attributes the brand's continued success to keeping in line with what works for them. "We stick to what we do, rather than be something we're not. We've added categories [like cotton blend sweaters and dresses] that are synergistic to the brand," Pauline Nakios said.
The decision to open a boutique wasn't taken lightly given the current economic climate, but the location choice was a no-brainer for Nakios. The brand's showroom has been located in New York City's Meatpacking District for nearly a decade, and the pair hopes to get more involved in the neighborhood and one day collaborate with local artists and designers on future collections.
The store will be an edited version of what's currently available on lillap.com and the 1200 retailers the brand is carried in worldwide.
Lilla P. opens March 15th at 420 West 14th Street.
The 400-square-foot jewel box of a boutique is located between 9th Avenue and Washington Street on West 14th Street, also home to Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Jeffrey's. But the high-end neighbors don't intimidate the gentler priced Lilla P. "I just feel fortunate that rather than blend in we stand out. It's almost like you don't want to be the most expensive house on the block," Pauline Nakios told WWD. "There's no reason that someone buying a Stella McCartney jacket is not going to come to us for her layering pieces."
Although small in size, she maintains that the boutique is an extension of the brand. High ceilings, clean lines and the clothing used as the space's main source of color. "It's a mirror of who we are. Welcoming and approachable."
The duo attributes the brand's continued success to keeping in line with what works for them. "We stick to what we do, rather than be something we're not. We've added categories [like cotton blend sweaters and dresses] that are synergistic to the brand," Pauline Nakios said.
The decision to open a boutique wasn't taken lightly given the current economic climate, but the location choice was a no-brainer for Nakios. The brand's showroom has been located in New York City's Meatpacking District for nearly a decade, and the pair hopes to get more involved in the neighborhood and one day collaborate with local artists and designers on future collections.
The store will be an edited version of what's currently available on lillap.com and the 1200 retailers the brand is carried in worldwide.
Lilla P. opens March 15th at 420 West 14th Street.
ADD A COMMENT
Sign in using your Facebook or Twitter account, or simply type your comment below as a guest by entering your email and name. Your email address will not be shared.