Pilgrim New York opens on the Lower East Side of New York City

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.

###

a fashion forward retail clothing store for the woman who wants to dress fashionably at a reasonable price point. clothing is made in limited editions of 5-10 pieces and not reproduced for the mass merchandise market.

pilgrim
70 Orchard Street
new york, new york
10002

contact: Brian Bennett

This release was published on openPR.