I first stumbled upon Anne Willi by accident. It had been some time since I last stopped in at one of my favorite boutiques on Atlantic Avenue, in the Cobble Hill section of Brooklyn. I’m a boutique girl – it’s all about the indie, “sock it to the man”, anti-cookie-cutter fashion. I’m rebellious, even when it comes to fashion. It’s hard for small businesses – and especially those with an artistic bend – to survive in an industry where large amounts of financial backing and a strong repeat customer base are essential for survival. Therefore, it came as little surprise to discover the boutique I was looking for had been replaced, yet again. I walked in with little expectations, and walked out a fan.
I had recognized the name from my many strolls along the side streets of Paris. My interest was piqued. As I was due to head back to Paris in a couple of weeks, I knew I would be paying a visit to the St. Germain location (the original store is located in the Bastille section of Paris). I am so happy I did, for it was there that I found yet another Fashion mentor. Celia is the best. During our first meeting, she was suffering with a pretty bad cold, as the temperature for that week had been below normal. Even so, Celia was warm and friendly and, the one thing I so admired, never ever pushy. Rather than clear out inventory, she wanted to make sure I got the perfect outfit, even if that meant leaving with only a single piece. If it was not flattering, she immediately stated so, sometimes even before my trying it on. I left a happy customer.
Wanting to check in and see how Celia was recuperating, I returned in a few days. She was much better, and we proceeded to have a wonderful conversation about fashion and New York and, of course, Paris’s wacky weather. I did not purchase one outfit, and I never felt pressure to do so. I returned to the store a few times more, as it was along one of my routine walking routes. I’d stop in for a quick hello. Once I began French Language classes, Celia promised to speak only French with me. I will always be grateful for Celia’s encouragement and patience with my butchering the French language. I am also lucky to have received fashion tips and lessons, which has aided in my newfound discovery of the fashion world.
Recently, I had the privilege of meeting the designer herself during a 1-year celebration of the Brooklyn store, and 2016 Summer and Fall launch (Anne Willi is centered in the above photo). I also got to practice, just a tad bit, my French.
Here are a few of my favorite pieces:
Tried this amazing trench at the Brooklyn location. Love it!
Just look at the pleat in the back. Oh, and the sexy man taking the photo.
Another coat I tried on, while I just happen to be wearing one of the Anne Willi dresses I picked up in Paris.
She does amazing things with coat linings. Look at the rich color. Also, a closer look at the dress.
This from the 2016 Spring/Summer collection. I can’t wait to wear it. It’s a fun and sexy piece.
A closer look at the trench coat. Check out the lining.
Even the belt has details.
One of my favorite Anne Willi coats. This was my go-to coat this past fall while in Paris. Again, look at the lining.
This wool coat is amazing. Light, but extremely warm. Look at the color and lining. Rich, vibrant colors, both inside and out.
This one was a treat. A mohair, with rich shades and hues of blue, brown and grey. It was extremely warm.
Again, check out the lining.
I’m wearing my go-to Anne Willi dress – same one I’m wearing in the pic above with the designer. My daughter is wearing an Anne Elisabeth (stay turn for more on that designer).
This is a fun blazer. Extremely warm. The pattern is playful, yet chic. I paired it with a pair of blue Nike tennis shoes.
An Anne Willi scarf. Even the accessories have so much rich details.
Anne Willi just launched an e-shop, make sure to check it out.