With Jéan has been dipping its toe into the retail waters with several pop-ups for the past couple of years. The temporary spaces have been successful enough for the Australian women’s brand to take the plunge and open its first permanent store.
The sustainably produced brand was created by best friends Sami Lorking-Tanner and Evangeline Titilas in 2017 and has been direct-to-consumer since the beginning. But Titilas, who actually relocated to the States to help grow the business, opened a pop-up on Crosby Street in SoHo two years ago and was surprised at the response.
Related Articles
“We thought it would be more of a marketing activity,” she said. “We didn’t think it would be profitable. But it turned out to be extremely profitable.”
You May Also Like
That led to a second pop-up on Howard Street that had a similar response, giving the company the courage to sign a lease for a permanent space. The store will be 4,300 square feet and will be located at 43 Wooster Street.
“We still wanted to be in SoHo,” she said. “The store has great character and the frontage is amazing.” She said it is currently under construction but she’s aiming for an opening in the middle of May.
With Jéan has become a favorite of celebrities including Bella Hadid, Emily Ratajkowski, Elsa Hosk and others who have been drawn to its Parisienne-meets-Australian aesthetic and ethical production. Among its most popular items are its Rose Top halters, Saint Midi skirts and Juni triangle bikinis. “We sell them in volume, nonstop,” she said. “We can’t keep up with it.”
The brand’s Fred Jacket, a cropped workwear-inspired style, has been embraced by celebrities such as Kaia Gerber and Hailey Bieber, and has also given a boost to the brand.
The goal with the SoHo flagship is for the location to also serve as a hub for community engagement, distinct retail experiences and sustainable fashion initiatives.
“This wasn’t just about securing a storefront — it was about placing a brand with a purpose in the perfect setting to thrive,” said Adelaide Polsinelli, vice chairman of Compass Commercial, the real estate firm that cemented the deal. “With Jéan’s commitment to sustainability and ethical fashion makes them an ideal fit for SoHo’s retail landscape, where authenticity and innovation drive success.”
“Bringing With Jéan to SoHo is a testament to the changing dynamics of retail,” added Trystan Polsinelli, executive director of Compass Commercial. “Consumers today are looking for more than just a shopping experience; they want to connect with brands that share their values. This flagship location will not only showcase With Jéan’s stunning collections but also serve as a beacon for the future of sustainable fashion in New York City.”
Titilas said the goal is to open additional units in the U.S. within the next three years, in cities with “high foot traffic.” Although she had looked into the Los Angeles market, she said the rents were too high and it’s not pedestrian friendly. “That’s why New York makes the most sense,” she said, adding that she’s looking at Miami and Dallas as well.
She’s also looking outside the U.S. and said the brand’s next pop-up will be in London. “We just tested Sydney in Australia and it was good, but we’re still in the research phase,” she said.