Elyse Walker, Stylish Boutique Owner Talks Shoplifting And Crazy Requests (PHOTOS)
Today, meet Elyse Walker, owner of her eponymous California boutique and Forward by Elyse Walker. The latter of which is a partnership with Revolve Clothing to create an e-commerce site that highlights top luxury brands with an edgier vibe.
The former varsity field hockey player (she was recruited to play in college!) grew up in the shoe business and treats the Pacific Palisades store like her closet. Case in point: while holding a lace Givenchy top she was heard saying "I'm going to wear this to Fashion Week with boots and a leather jacket!"
Check out our interview below to learn more about Elyse.
Who is the ideal Forward by Elyse Walker customer?
It's an intellectual shopper -- someone who appreciates good quality, but really likes to think about clothes. It's someone who doesn't want a head-to-toe designer look, they can go to the designer's store for that. Like me, today, I'm wearing an Acne top with J Brand jeans, Barbara Bui jacket and Azzedine Alaia boots. And I don't mean to compliment myself, but it looks good!
What items are flying off the shelves?
Anything Alexander McQueen. We have one clutch left in the store right now.
What's the buying process like?
In Paris, we were at the showrooms and Neiman Marcus is next to us, very polite. And one of my staffers is sitting there screaming, "Shut the front door!" as each item was brought out. Everyone around us thought it was very funny. We go to Proenza Shouler and we sort of have to dig. I mean, the bags are a no-brainer but with the clothes we needed to think about it more. Designers like McQueen-- we couldn't breathe.
This store is very open with lots of space -- have you ever caught someone trying to shoplift?
Sometimes women come into my shop and say, "I'm so sorry; I'm in sweats!" It's, LA, everyone is in sweats! But sometimes people come in all dressed up, like they have to fit into the store, and sometimes those are the people we watch out for. Most shoplifters are all dressed-up.
You're also a stylist, what are some of the craziest requests you've gotten?
One customer asked me if there were more expensive things. Another woman matched her outfit to her dog. Most of those stories I keep confidential.
Who are some of the celebrities that shop at your store and what do they buy?
Kate Beckinsale and Jennifer Garner are regulars. Kate Beckinsale is like me and loves high heels that make your legs look longer. Jennifer likes to stay comfortable in sweaters.
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