Pilgrim opens new store in NYC

PRLog (Press Release) - Jun 17, 2009 -
CONTACT:

KEVIN FEGANS

917.328.3150

kevinfegans@gmail.com

PILGRIM OPENS FIRST NEW YORK LOCATION

GALLERY-INSPIRED BOUTIQUE DEBUTS SUMMER 2009 COLLECTION

New York, NY – June 8, 2009 - PILGRIM opened its doors at 70 Orchard Street last week with one goal in mind.  “I want to make women feel beautiful in a modern and inviting space,” says designer and store co-founder Richard Ives.  As defined a pilgrim is one who embarks upon on a quest to find something sacred.  Part boutique, part art gallery, PILGRIM is an exhibition of abstract paintings, art books, designer vintage apparel and accessories and PILGRIM’s own ready to wear collection.  

The summer 2009 PILGRIM collection finds inspiration in iconic shapes from fashion and cinematic history.  Shift and short sleeve day dresses reminiscent of the 60’s (i.e. Pat Nixon) are given a modern, architectural edge through seaming details and meticulously placed hardware.  Fabrics are dyed and treated giving taffetas, summer-weight tweeds and silk jerseys an updated look.  Strong elements are fused with soft details; lean with luxurious in tailored sleeveless men’s shirting, body-conscious blazers, high-waisted skirts and walking shorts inspired by Jane Birkin. Color is key in the collection and apparent through the unexpected pairings of sea green and lime, lavender and almond and a medley of blues and muted bronzes that blend seamlessly.  A white, black and pink boucle bubble dress with exaggerated cap sleeves showcases the designer’s attention to cut and appreciation for understated glamour.

With an innate eye and admiration for vintage, PILGRIM offers an edited collection of designer’s work from the 50’s and 80’s to include Lanvin, Cacharel, YSL, and Ungaro.  Jewelry and accessories are essential to the PILGRIM aesthetic.  Pre-ban ivory bangles, sixties-inspired beaded necklaces and Bonnie Cashin designed Coach bags are found throughout the store.  Vintage sunglasses offer customers a relevant look into seasons past with an assortment of designer frames from the 70’s and 80’s such as Courrèges, Oleg Cassini and Nina Ricci.  Black-washed floors provide the perfect backdrop for the eclectic mix of 20th century abstract paintings, some of which were created by co-founder Brian Bennett, and decorative pieces on display that include Korean pottery from the 4th century. A selection of soy based candles created exclusively for PILGRIM reflect the mood of the collection and are often found burning around the store.  

ABOUT RICHARD IVES AND BRIAN BENNETT, THE DESIGNERS AND FOUNDERS OF PILGRIM  

Richard Ives is a designer at heart and curator by nature.  For over twenty years, Richard has worked as a stylist and designer with some of the most influential photographers and labels to include Richard Avedon, Steven Klein, Michael Thompson, Ellen Tracy and Donna Karan. His experience ranges from work as a contributing editor, art director, visual merchandiser and stints in product development.

Brian Bennett has been a connoisseur of art and music for most of his life.  After founding Lamprecht & Bennett, a successful creative photo agency, Brian continued to collect precious ceramics, pottery and glass.  An artist by training and curator of talent by profession, Brian has always had an eye for photography and continues to work with private dealers and collectors in Paris and throughout the country.  

They opened their first store in Woodstock, New York and bring their love of fashion and passion for the arts to PILGRIM located at 70 Orchard Street in Manhattan’s Lower East Side neighborhood.  They reside in the West Village.