Meet All the Winners (and Nominees) of the 1st Annual Coterie Awards

by The Daily Front Row

The inaugural Coterie Awards, powered by The Daily, took place last night at the Javits Center. The talented honorees span a diverse range of brands and retailers and were selected by a group of industry insiders. Here’s your chance to get to know them a little better!

1. MOST COMPELLING SHOPPABLE CONTENT BY A RETAILER

 

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Bossa Concept (WINNER)
A haven for Brazilian designer fashion nestled in Miami’s South Beach area, Bossa Concept was opened in 2016 by Alessandra Cavalcante and Flavia Schwenk, from Brazil and Argentina, respectively. Since opening, the chic shop expanded its inventory to include brands from a variety of South American and Central American countries, giving indie labels a unique stateside platform.

Lisa Says Gah
Lisa Bühler, founder and CEO
Reading recommendation:The Making of a Manager, by Julie Zhuo. With a growing team, this book has helped guide me to be a better leader.”
Dream brand ambassador:Solange Knowles. She’s a trailblazer.”
Latest news: “We’re excited to expand our shoe category this season!”
Current moodboard: “Prints, art, texture, and muted pastels.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Stella McCartney. She’s always been a fave for me.”

Opening Ceremony
Opening Ceremony has been the ultimate It boutique since 2002, when Carol Lim and Humberto Leon opened the first location in New York. It has since grown to include outposts around the world, a clothing line, and of course, e-commerce. Naturally, OC’s singular vision has extended to the Internet and the way it reaches its dedicated shoppers. Tapping in to how millennials and Gen Z use the Internet, it has been able to create wildly compelling shoppable content.

Bluebird Boutique
Sasha Martin, co-owner
Dream brand ambassador: “Morgan Stewart. I love her simple style and use of great basics with fun, colored accessories. She’s never overdone.”
Latest news: “Anything oversize. I’m loving boyfriend blazers, cardigans, and huge, printed puffers.”
Reading recommendations:A New Earth, by Eckhart Tolle; and The Four Noble Truths of Love, by Susan Piver.”
Favorite fall pursuits: “I love to walk, read, and drink wine.”

OTTE
OTTE’s first location was in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, in 1999, before the area became super hip, proving founder Kay Lee has a knack for being on the cutting edge of what’s cool. Now, shoppers enjoy Lee’s tasteful selections from three locations in Manhattan. With an impressive roster of chic brands, OTTE is a fashion destination for anyone looking to get ahead of the style curve.

Shopbop
In 2006, shortly after it launched, Shopbop was snatched up by Amazon, extending its reach across the globe. But the e-tailer was on the cutting edge of online fashion in a different way — by being one of the most Internet and social media-savvy companies out there. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, Shopbop is beloved and promoted by an army of influencers and their dedicated followings, making it an authority in the world of fashion.

2. ELEVATING THE STORE EXPERIENCE
Coterie Awards

(The Westside)

The Westside (WINNER)
Sari Sloane, co-founder
Latest news:
“We’re always expanding our collection and seeking new inspiration. Constant curation is the best part of being multibrand. Right now, we love cozy knitwear, from chunky sweaters to oversize cardigans.”
Favorite fall pastime:
“Each fall, I look forward to our girls’ buying trip to Paris, where we curate our next season’s collection.”
Thoughts on wearing white after Labor Day:
It’s a year-round staple, and shouldn’t be limited to just the warmer, summer months. I love a white winter look.”

A Line Boutiqe
Caleb Tillapaugh, buyer
Latest news: “I’m really excited to introduce Ann Demeulemeester, and we’re also adding Alanui.”
Dream brand ambassador: “Reese Witherspoon. She really represents the women we’re serving.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Off-White is my favorite. We’re lucky enough to get to go!”
Thoughts on wearing white after Labor Day: “I think a creamy white instead of a stark white is a great way to bring white into your fall wardrobe.”

Barbara/Jean
Barbara Baber and Jean Chaffin first opened the doors to their eponymous shop in 1972 in Arkansas. By 1985, Chaffin left the company and Baber’s daughter, Greer Grace, jumped in to help out. In 2001, the boutique’s senior buyer, Christine Bailey, shifted focus to European designers. She purchased the store from Greer in 2008. For more than two decades, Bailey has helped continue Barbara/Jean’s nearly 50-year legacy of style.

Jill Roberts
Jill Roberts, owner
Reading recommendation: “I’m just finishing The Island of Sea Women, by Lisa See, for my book club.”
Dream brand ambassador: “Margot Robbie. She’s fresh, feminine, a natural beauty, Aussie beach girl, carefree, casual yet polished. She’d wear our clothes well!”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Azzedine Alaïa. I used to be the buyer for his store in Beverly Hills in the ’90s. I think he was a fashion genius. Now that he’s gone, I’m curious to see how the house of Alaïa will evolve.”

Tootsies
Tootsies is more than just a boutique — it’s a philanthropic endeavor. In 1975, founder Mickey Rosmarin launched the boutique with the goal of giving back to the community. Now, all three Tootsies locations (Atlanta, Dallas, and Houston) provide focused support to their respective communities.

3. RETAIL INNOVATOR OF THE YEAR

(Rent the Runway)

Rent the Runway (WINNER)
Innovator of the year? Rent the Runway is arguably one of the biggest innovators of the decade, ushering in a new era of how we consume fashion. In just 10 years, the company has hit unicorn status, having earned a valuation of $1 billion and made luxury-clothing rental subscriptions a reality. They’ve democratized fashion and offer a sustainable new way to keep up with trends.

Holt Renfrew
“Holt’s,” as it’s affectionately known among shoppers in Canada, is one of the oldest, most revered luxury retailers in the country, founded 1837. From classic houses like Chanel and Louis Vuitton to contemporary lines like Acne Studios and Opening Ceremony, customers adore walking out the door with their deep pink shopping bags. There have, of course, been modernizations. In addition to launching online shopping, the company has been curating a selection of socially responsible products since 2013.

Sprout Collection
Joyce Lim, co-founder and president
Reading recommendation: “Educated, by Tara Westover. It’s an autobiography, and it’s simply captivating to see how a child who grew up with so little became one of the most compelling, inspiring writers today. The book’s title says it all. Education, or perhaps the burning lifelong desire to learn, is the single most important equalizer of society.”
Dream brand ambassador: “Yoyo Cao. Her minimalistic style reflects confidence and effortlessness. She’s a boss, mother, wife, creator, and designer who shapes the world around her and plays by her own rules.”
Favorite fall pastime: “Being able to use the fireplace again and cozy up on a daybed with a book… if my daughter will take a nap for once.”

Moda Operand
Co-founder Lauren Santo Domingo has quite the fashion pedigree. She began her career at Vogue, is a fixture on Vanity Fair’s best-dressed list, and is a Proenza Schouler muse, among other chic things. Turning her talented eye to curating the season’s finest looks with Moda Operandi was a logical next step. The ultra-successful e-comm is the only place to preorder the season’s hottest looks right after they’ve debuted on the runway, for (almost) instant gratification.

CoEdition
Brooke Cundiff, founder and chief merchandising officer
Dream brand ambassadors: “Our customer is as bold as Lizzo, stylish like Aidy Bryant, as sophisticated as Octavia Spencer, rebellious as Rebel Wilson, and classic like Adele.”
Current moodboard: “It’s covered with photos of jewel tone velvets, lace, sequins, and inspired by the ’70s and Studio 54 glam. We learned last season that our customer wanted to sparkle and shine for the holidays — we’re ready for her!”
Reading recommendation: “I’m currently loving Dani Shapiro’s Inheritance. I also recently read Dreamland, by Sam Quinones, and Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight. This isn’t a book, but the podcast “How I Built It.” The stories are enlightening. I want to be on it one day!”

(Joan Shepp)

4. ICONIC RETAILER OF THE YEAR: JOAN SHEPP

For more than four decades, Joan Shepp has been the leading fashion retailer in Philadelphia. Since founding her store in 1971, Shepp has established her boutique as a go-to for luxurious, forward-thinking designs from around the world. Her singular eye and sharp curation have not only enchanted Philly — where she herself is considered one of the city’s most stylish inhabitants — but have also garnered her attention from national publications, making her intimate shop a must-visit destination.

5. STAND OUT COLLABORATION/CAPSULE COLLECTION OF 2019/2020

Melissa Shoes (WINNER), Booth 7759
Raquel Scherer, managing director
This season’s inspiration: “We had many things in mind when developing the new collection, like how a huge spectrum of colors affect our emotions and reveal memories and feelings. Melissa’s history has been built on the energy of colors, so it’s a look back at our essence.”
Latest news: “We’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of Melissa this year, so we brought back some of our most iconic designs that were part of our history — silhouettes that still feel so fresh, plus contemporary details we’ve added for this comeback.”
Thoughts on wearing white after Labor Day? “Melissa is a brand that has embraced diversity in every sense of the word since its birth. Being true to yourself is the most important value for us, so if it feels authentic to you and brings you joy, why not?”

Sanctuary, Booth 7905
Debra Polanco, co-founder and CCO
Favorite thing about fall: “I love layers with a great jacket. The season’s weather changes always bring new fashion life.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Chanel or Gucci. I love creative geniuses.”
Reading recommendation: “I just picked up Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women to reread before the movie remake is released in December. Can’t wait!”
Thoughts on wearing white after Labor Day: “New world, new rules — that’s an urban legend. I love every shade of white year-round.”

DefineMe, Booth 29
Jennifer McKay Newton, CEO and creative director
Dream brand ambassador: “Emma Watson. She’s a strong advocate for women’s empowerment, rights, and equality. She’s very much in line with our core brand beliefs.”
Latest news: “Our fragrance Ariel [inspired by The Little Mermaid] launches mid-October. Disney has been supportive in letting us take the lead on the design and scent itself, to create something quite unique.”
Thoughts on wearing white after Labor Day: “Why not? I’m a fan of darker shades of white, such as ivory.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “An Alexander McQueen show; I’m a great admirer of his creative genius.”

Current/Elliott, Booth 314
James Miller, CEO, the Collected Group
Dream brand ambassadors: “Sienna Miller and Zoë Kravitz. Both capture the mood and spirit of the Current/Elliott girl, a high-maintenance tomboy at heart who isn’t trying too hard and expresses her femininity and sexiness with an unmistakable ease.”
Latest news: “We’re reintroducing the boyfriend jean. It never really went away, but it’s the underpinning of where it all began for our DNA. Updating the fit and washes for 2020 has been an exciting challenge. We also continue to evolve vintage washes for our tees and wovens, and our jumpsuit and romper offerings.”

DL1961 Premium Denim, Booth 500
Zahra Ahmed, CEO
Latest news: “We’ve built out ready-to-wear that’s like an extension of denim essentials, with matching sets in the same mind-set as technical fabrics.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Chromat. Body inclusivity has been a big part of our mission, and seeing a brand like Chromat get it so right in an authentic and positive way is incredibly inspiring.”
Reading recommendation: “I’m on a flight almost every week for work, so my Kindle is a travel essential. I started the summer reading My Year of Rest and Relaxation, by Ottessa Moshfegh, and have since been making my way through her other works. Her novels and short stories are all wildly different in plot, yet have this amazing way of describing life’s darker side.”

6. INTERNATIONAL DESIGNER TO WATCH

 

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Yukio (WINNER), Booth 627
Fabio Yukio, founder
Reading recommendation: “Reading is an essential part for my design process. I get inspiration in the works of Perrault, Andersen, and the Grimm brothers. They’re very different stories than fairy tales. It’s exactly this contrast between the escapism and reality that really interests me.:
Playlist du jour: “These four songs are definitely on our playlist — blue is our official color. “Blue Monday,” by New Order; “Blue Savannah,” by Erasure; “Pale Blue Eyes,” by the Velvet Underground; and “Blue Jeans,” by Lana del Rey.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “If I could turn back time, “Le Cirque,” from Thierry Mugler, 1995. It had a spectacular theatricality along with diversity and inclusion presented in a natural way. Nowadays, I’d like to see Loewe. I like the way Jonathan Anderson works with luxury in a not obvious way, using funny and unusual materials and shapes.”

Musee, Booth 6257
JuHyun Lee, director
This season’s inspo: “We’re thinking of classic yet modern sensibility, toughness in softness, and sustainability.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Raf Simons might be interesting.”
Favorite fall pastime: “I enjoy traveling in search of new inspiration.”

Azulu, Booth 532
Maya Memovic, head designer & creative director
Latest news: “We’re launching a fun array of everyday and vacation styles, introducing a large swimwear collection, and a strong group of beautiful dresses for summer weddings, beach cocktails, or a night out in the city. Inspired by the African roots of Colombian coastal culture, the collection pays homage to African savannahs, combining an earthy color palette and safari-inspired prints with fun and frilly Latin silhouettes.”
Reading recommendation: “I love biographies and historical fiction. I just finished Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life, by Justine Picardie, which was fantastic. Also, I highly recommend any of the melancholic, surreal novels by Haruki Murakami.”

Luizas & Co., Booth 631
Suzana Magalhães de Macambira, founder and designer
Latest news: “Our first resort collection has beautiful embroidery and swimsuits that match with kimonos, headbands, and turbans. Also our new bags were made on hand looms; they will surely amaze everyone.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Kate Spade, for the brand’s love of colors and feminine taste in every collections. I love Ulla Johnson’s work — and her personality. Her relationship with the family and her lifestyle are the things I most admire about her. Also, Valentino! I love the brand’s creative director, Pierpaolo Piccioli.”

Ryzi, Booth 7028
Luiza Mallmann, owner and designer
Dream brand ambassador: “Lady Gaga. She’s unexpected, never obvious, and makes a statement. I would love to have her help in the creative process as well.”
Current playlist: “Post Malone, Lana Del Rey, Billie Eilish — and “Hallelujah,” by Oh Wonder, an upbeat, happy single I’m addicted to.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Either Comme des Garçons or Maison Margiela. Both brands’ creations are always so inspiring, and a surprise each and every time; a deconstruction of the obvious.”
Favorite fall pastime: “Running outside. I also love that it’s never a heavy coat day or “I wish I was by the pool all day“ weather. It’s the best!”

OOF Wear, Booth 213
Angelica Mingardo, designer
Playlist du moment: “Reality and Fantasy, by Raphael Gualazzi; “Atomic Bomb,” by William Onyeabor; and “Canopée,” by Polo & Pan.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Sacai, for its volume and fabric combinations; Acne Studios, for the brand’s ability to constantly renew itself and innovate; and Celine, for its elegance.”
Current moodboard: “Color can definitely not be missed if you look at our moodboard. It’s part of the brand’s DNA. “Escape from reality” is the theme of the S/S ’20 collection, which prompted me to insert concepts into the moodboard that represent the dream, the fantasy, the imaginary world.”

7. GOOD4FASHION SUSTAINABILITY AWARD

Amur (WINNER), Booth 333
Michelle Coiro, sales director
Latest news: “This season, we’re thrilled to add sustainable sequins to the collection. It’s been a long time since we’ve shown embellishments, due to limitations with sustainability.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Giambattista Valli. I love the drama he brings to the runway, yet his designs feel effortless, timeless, and ageless.”
Favorite fall pastime: “I love when it’s cool in the morning, warms up during the day, and then cools down at night so you need layers. And my favorite fall holiday is Halloween; I love to play dress up!”

Hayley Menzies, Booth 361
Sustainable practices is one of the core values of designer Hayley Menzies’ eponymous label. Menzies has been working in fashion since 2011, when she began selling vintage fashion and handmade recycled fur scarves at London’s Portobello Market. Fans dig the vintage-inspired aesthetic, but also its incredible quality, and the brand’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Carolina K, Booth 225
Carolina Kleinman, founder and creative director
Latest news: “We’re currently working on a zero-waste project that involves the use of our fabric scraps in an effort to minimize waste and overall impact on the planet. From swimwear to jewelry to home accessories, our goal is to extend our product’s life cycle.”
Dream brand ambassador: “Björk. She’s avant-garde, eccentric, and dreamy. I can picture her wearing our Joni Kaftan with butterfly sleeves.”
Reading recommendation:Atlantean Secrets, by Samuel Sagan.”

ELK, Booth 6833
Designed locally and ethically sourced, Australian label ELK has built a loyal following for its sleek designs. Founded in 2004 by married couple Marnie Goding and Adam Koniaras, the brand currently makes menswear, womenswear, jewelry, footwear, and accessories. But the team also prides itself on honesty by producing a transparency report annually, from measuring its footprint to disclosing its supply chain, for clothes that customers can feel good wearing.

Ética Denim, Booth 7725
Michelle Marsh, director of sales & merchandising
Latest news: “Our Spring ’20 washes use hand-sanding and conditioning versus harsh chemicals. We even nailed a truly sustainable white wash, without bleach or caustic baking soda. For color, we experimented with botanical dyes — coffee, bougainvillea, chrysanthemum, and natural indigo.”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Stella McCartney. She’s always ahead of the curve, and she proves that art and sustainability aren’t mutually exclusive.”

8. OUTSTANDING SOCIAL CONTENT BY A BRAND

WeWoreWhat (WINNER), Booth 433
Danielle Bernstein, founder
Latest news: “I’m introducing cover-ups into my WeWoreWhat Swim Holiday line. We’re calling them cover-ups, but they really can be worn during the day or at night as ready-to-wear pieces!”
Bucket list fashion show to sit front row: “Chanel when Karl Lagerfeld was still alive would have been amazing to attend.”
Favorite fall pastimes: “Fall means Sunday football, apple-picking, and Halloween!”

Gal Meets Glam, Booth 104
Julia Engel, founder
Latest news: “I’m so excited for our first-ever coat collection, launching next month! We took our favorite details from our dresses and reinvented them as chic, functional outerwear.”
Current moodboard: “My moodboards are always filled with chic floral patterns, feminine details, and timeless silhouettes. Rich tones and crisp fall weather inspired our September collection.”

Jacquie Aiche, Booth 7113
Jacquie Aiche, founder and designer
Latest news: “We’re adding a male muse to the mix for Holiday.”
Current moodboard: “My moodboard always has a lot of skin, no matter the season. This season is all about color for me. I’m inspired by the energy that comes from the gemstones in my crystal collection. Each one has a special energy that makes me feel so positive and happy.”
Playlist du moment: “Right now, it’s DJ Khaled on repeat, all day long!”

Kendall + Kylie, Booth 7811
Was there ever any doubt that the Jenner sisters would create a brand notable for great social media content? The duo’s collection is carried everywhere from Revolve to Nordstrom, and they have collaborated with Topshop in the past, too. The best way to keep up with all they do? The brand’s effortlessly cool Instagram account, which conveniently is also a great way to get a daily dose of all things Kendall, Kylie, and a ton of other influencers.

PatBO, Booth 420
Thanks to intricate embroidery, gorgeous colorful prints, and show-stopping silhouettes, designer Patricia Bonaldi’s work effortlessly jumps out on social media. She works with a team of artisans to produce couture-level handiwork on her incredibly detailed pieces, which have caught the attention of celebs like Halle Berry, Vanessa Hudgens, and Camila Cabello, and models Hilary Rhoda and Flaviana Matata.

Coterie Awards

(LoveShackFancy)

9. MUST-HAVE SPRING 2020 COLLECTION: LOVESHACKFANCY

The ethereal brand was founded in 2013 by former fashion editor and vintage enthusiast Rebecca Hessel Cohen. For a brand with such a whimsical and romantic aesthetic, it is fitting that its origin story includes a wedding. Cohen, unable to find dresses for her bridesmaids, took it upon herself to find a patternmaker to create frocks for her fairy-tale ceremony. And thus, a label was born. LoveShackFancy is now carried in boutiques around the world, and even has its own location in the Hamptons.

Read the full Coterie issue below!

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