It’s no secret that there are a bevy of amazing e-commerce sites that make shopping a more personalized, curated experience. Lizzie Tisch and Kim Kassel have created just that, but on site rather than online (yes, their shopping destination has a physical address). Suite 1521 is an ever-changing salon on the Upper East Side that offers private shopping events and opportunities for fashion enthusiasts to connect with designers and their representatives while shopping. It’s an incredible way to build one’s wardrobe, and with all the options out there we couldn’t help but take notice of the new venture. We dropped by their Madison Avenue salon during a Libertine event for some R & R…Retail & Restaurant Recommendations.
Kim: Chocolate chip pancakes at EJ’s Luncheonette, a burger and cottage fries at J.G. Melon, and steak tartar and soufflé at the 21 Club.
Lizzie: Breakfast would be at Barney Greengrass, lunch at La Grenouille and dinner at ABC Kitchen.
What made you want to make shopping more personal between customers and designers?
We both felt that the shopping experience had “lost its luster”. We wanted to create a place that would give customers the unique experience of an old school atelier, where they could understand and appreciate a designers’ vision.
Why was it so important to bring the two together?
We believed it was important for the “new establishment” designers that Suite 1521 represents to understand who their customer is and how they respond to different aspects of their collections. We also felt that there were many fashion enthusiasts, similar to us, who wanted to have the experience of working directly with designers and their teams.
What’s missing from a traditional shopping experience versus what Suite 1521 offers?
Suite 1521 offers its members the chance to shop in an exclusive, salon environment. At Suite 1521, members are able to explore designer collections in their entirety and ultimately curate their own wardrobe. Suite 1521 also offers members bespoke opportunities that would otherwise be unavailable to them.
Did you have any inspirations or mentors in the process of starting Suite 1521?
Tory Burch, Natalie Massenet, and Mickey Drexler.
Kim: Edie Sedgwick, Jane Birkin, Grace Coddington, and Diana Vreeland.
Lizzie: My mother, Nancy Lane and my daughter, Mason Rudnick.
Translating what Suite 1521 does to food, what do you think it would be like if every time you went to a restaurant, the restaurateur behind the space was there to interact with you?
It would be great to interact with the chef/owner – learn about their concept and what they are doing next.
Lizzie: Breakfast with my husband and daughter.
Kim: A monthly facial at Yasmine Djerradine, always juicing for breakfast, Pilates, Pilates, Pilates, and Yoga once a week to clear my head.
Lizzie: I watch what I eat, and do SoulCycle and Pilates.
What are you favorite cities for food? What restaurants do you go to in each?
Kim: In New York, The Mark, The East Pole, Le Bernardin, La Esquina, and ABC Kitchen. In London, The Delaunay, The Wolseley, Moro, J Sheekey, and Albion.
Lizzie: You can’t beat New York City for food – some of my favorites are ABC Kitchen, Sant Ambroeus, and all of Gabe Stulman’s restaurants, especially Perla. In Paris – Le Voltaire, Chez Georges, and La Société. In Beverly Hills, Tower Bar and Hinoki & The Bird. And Miami, Cecconi’s at the Soho House and Lure Fish Bar at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel.