While many stores are currently having killer sales in an effort move out last season’s styles, Madewell 1937 is using a different tactic to get the attention of shoppers. The retailer recently teamed with jewelry company Lizzie Fortunato and L.A. vintage maven Shareen Mitchell to offer fresh fashion to its customers in the form of in-store collaborations. Think of them as “pop-up shops” within Madewell’s shop.
The twin sister team behind Lizzie Fortunato began designing jewelry in 2002. Their pieces are exquisite and high fashion, but manufactured with untraditional materials such as string, rope, beads and fabric rather than diamonds and pearls. This spring the coveted jewelry company created a collection exclusively for Madewell stores, with styles being sold in-store and on Madwell’s newly launched ecommerce boutique — some exclusively so. But the best part is that the pieces are reasonably priced. Bracelets range from $32-$40 and necklaces from $55 to $118 — almost too good to be true considering Fortunato’s signature collection can cost nearly $1,000.
And yesterday, Madewell started selling select pieces from Shareen Vintage, the venerable downtown vintage superstore. Shareen started in a booth at the Melrose Trading Post in Los Angeles, expanded to a larger space downtown due to popular demand and, most recently, to the Big Apple. Shareen carries loads of affordable, quality vintage from the past century that are worth digging for. But Madewell has already done your dirty work by choosing a selection of summery dresses, skirts and blouses available for a limited time, in store only. And Judging by what Madewell has been producing this past year, I have no doubt their selection will be superb.
Madewell 1937 Century City. 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles. 310-772-0428. madewell.com
Photos, from top: Lizzie Fortunato Jewels for Madewell Denim Folklore necklace, $55. Lizzie Fortunato Jewels for Madewell beaded bracelet, $32.
