One day in early spring of 2009, while I was living in NYC, I was wandering around the city and had the absolute luck of discovering Clic Bookstore & Gallery... and to this day it is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Manhattan.
To describe Clic is to try and describe the coolest kid in class, who just so happens to be the nicest. Amazing photographers' work adorns the walls in this welcoming space, and books of awesome art fill wooden tables and shelves.
And behind the counter... the cool kid is usually there... and her name is Christiane Celle.
On that first visit, I chatted with Christiane without realizing who she was, which makes me all the more impressed by her as a businesswoman and all around cool human being. We discussed art, the neighborhood, and dogs. I left feeling invigorated and super happy with my new discovery.
It wasn't until a couple of visits later that I put together that Christiane was the brilliant mind behind the ultra Prippy Calypso (love the wrap dress!).
After starting Calypso as a tiny boutique in St. Barth, she grew the business into a $60 million dollar empire through her serious talent and hard work.
Calypso was eventually sold (look for a collaboration with Target in the spring!), but Christiane had a new venture in mind... Clic Gallery.
I have to thank her next time I'm there for creating such an amazing space... for introducing me to James and Karla Murray who's work I love and admire (and am saving for)... and for always engaging me, and anyone else walking into her shop, with vibrant and lovely conversation.
5 comments:
WOW i never knew the story behind Calypso - and btw i LOVE "prippy" - i guess i am too!
*kiss kiss*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~
Oy, some of those dresses are beyond beautiful. Can't wait to see what happens at Target!
So cool. Can't wait to check out the gallery and the new collection at Target.
Really glad you guys enjoyed getting to learn more about Christiane and the amazing Clic!
I wanted to share a note with you from a friend in the fashion biz... I think it further highlights why I love her business savvy!
"great post today. christiane celle said one of the best, truest things i've ever heard about the fashion industry. when asked the secret to her success with calypso she said "never underestimate how lazy people are.'' she was very smart to figure out that she could sell essentially the same thing season after season after perfecting the initial idea by changing color and embellishment slightly. she knew that once people found something that worked they would keep buying over and over."
Soo cool! And what a fascinating quote. I will definitely have to check out Clic soon. Thank you for sharing!!
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