NEW YORK – Elie Tahari Ltd. has opened a freestanding store in Atlanta as the first step in its program to roll out a new retail concept.
Neighboring such luxe Phipps Plaza retailers as Gucci and Louis Vuitton, the 2,000-square-foot boutique features items from the Elie Tahari collection, as well as pieces designed exclusively for the brand’s boutiques. After last Thursday’s opening, shoppers were buying $1,000 prewashed leather jackets and $600 dresses well suited for New Year’s Eve.
The store’s ambience, which was designed by architect Piero Lissono with a blend of contemporary touches and classical accents, is the mood the brand wants to portray to the customer, said designer Elie Tahari.
“We want to create a retail atmosphere that has a luxury feel, but is not defined by price point,” Tahari said. “It’s about mixing [a variety of products] to meet shoppers’ needs and to provide comfort for shopping in one place.”
One of the more interesting elements is the handmade Venetian glass light sculpture that covers the majority of the ceiling. The unusual sculpture – a striking contrast to the minimalist store – is made of 400 amber-colored glass tubes. Another notable touch is the 18-foot-wide retractable storefront that is kept open during business hours to give an airy welcome to passersby.
“We feel our customers will want to relax and absorb the atmosphere of the store, not just shop,” Tahari said.
He said Atlanta is “a second home” to him, since his wife, Rory, grew up there and he made many visits during their courtship.
“It’s a very upscale and fun city, and women there are looking for luxury goods,” he said.
Next month, Tahari plans to introduce signature handbags, shoes and other accessories in Atlanta, as well as men’s wear for fall. There will also be more expensive items – something to which shoppers have been gravitating. Dresses retailing for $2,000, handbags selling for $3,000 to $4,000 and shoes going for up to $2,000 will be among the offerings.