James Perse Plans New Stores, Web Venture
James Perse is going bicoastal. The Los Angeles designer, known for his sophisticated casual style, is on the move with a number of projects aimed at expanding the lifestyle brand. This spring, Vernon, Calif.–based James Perse Enterprises will open boutiques in Malibu and New York. In addition, the company has relaunched its Web site, www.jamesperse.com. The site provides information about Perse’s expanded collection, which now includes menswear, womenswear, baby apparel and home furnishings. In another project, the company is building a new press showroom in a location to be announced.
The company will first open an 800-square-foot boutique at the popular Malibu Country Mart and then will follow up with a 1,000-square-foot boutique at 411 Bleecker St. in Greenwich Village. After the openings, Perse will have three stores, including his flagship on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
The Malibu unit will be the first in a line of concept stores aimed at capturing Perse’s interpretation of the casual beach lifestyle. The boutique will feature a surf-inspired motif and will carry regional specialties. Both the New York and Malibu shops will reflect the designer’s affinity for architecture, furniture and interior design.
The new locations will put Perse in good company. The Malibu Country Mart is home to a Ron Hermanstore and boutiques such as Lisa Kline Men’s, Crush and Madison. Bleecker Street has seen an influx of brands, including Marc Jacobs, Polo Ralph Lauren and Arleen Bowman.
Perse will also look to cyberspace to perpetuate the brand.
“Beyond our Melrose location and our future New York and Malibu locations, the Web site makes it possible for us to show customers all sides of the brand,” said Arnie Gale, president of sales. “We now offer complete collections for the casually sophisticated wardrobe: from button-down shirts, pants and dresses to sweaters and outerwear. Many of our customers are still discovering how much variety there is to the collections as well as the different parts of the business, such as the home category. The Web site conveys that information.”
Outside of the company-owned stores, the line is sold at Maxfield, Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys New York, Henri Bendel, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s, Colette in Paris, Martine Chambome in St- Tropez, Dover Street Market and Harvey Nichols in London, and 10 Corso Comoin Japan, among other retailers.
—Robert McAllister
