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Dighton Rhode
Interview with Jennafer Loporchio 
Where did you grow up? What influences did you have growing up that made you become a stylist? Did you study fashion? Where?: In New York, at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Although I received a BS in Marketing and Communications, I’m not sure I “studied” fashion. Most of my learning came from observing people around me. I can pick up a trend based on how someone is tying his or her shoelaces. I am fascinated by creativity and design. I am inspired by everything around me and am always amazed at what transpires from a designer’s inspiration to the finished product. 
How long have you been in the fashion business? Twenty years. Tell us a bit about your business: After working in the fashion industry and living in New York for nearly 20 years, I felt it was time to take a chance on myself. I was very fortunate to be exposed to so many aspects of the fashion industry. From working in advertising at Calvin Klein, being an editorial stylist to launching emerging designers who are now household names. I have always loved the idea of dressing women along with educating them on what is appropriate for them. I knew having a boutique it would expose me to this in more ways than I could imagine. However, I also knew it was more than picking out clothes and putting them on a rack. I chose Greenwich because I felt there was a demand here for the designers we carry. I wanted to make shopping more convenient for them. Time is very limited in the household these days. The thought of going into the city to shop turns into an entire day. Dighton Rhode is a high-end women’s boutique in a beautiful and relaxed environment. We sell designers such as Balenciaga, Lanvin, J. Mendel, Proenza Schouler, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy and about fifteen others from New York, Paris and Milan. I am very passionate about editing the collections. It’s one of the highlights of my job - along with bringing what I have learned in the market to our client. I feel it’s important that the client understand the designer and his or her inspiration and look for the season. There is so much amazing talent in the market right now. One of the challenges is determining the emerging designers to nurture. When I go to market selecting pieces to buy, I home in on who our client is, taking into consideration her individual lifestyle. Our team at the boutique is passionate about the fashion, and the service is of utmost importance to all of us. Before we offer guidance, we get to know the client’s tastes and her interests. We never impose our personal tastes on the client either. Moreover, I make it a point to get to know her closet either from visiting her home or by what she has bought from others and us in the past. The emphasis is not on the sale but rather on making someone feel beautiful; this is where the transformation takes place. And I am a stickler about fit. It is one the most critical aspects of dressing. Whether you are wearing a t-shirt or a cocktail dress, the fit must be right. The women in Greenwich are super savvy. They have access to shop all over the world. So we aim to give them an experience and something new they may not have been exposed to. 
What would you consider your design style? Eclectic. I like the unusual element that makes one wonder if it really works together. What are some questions you ask your clients before you help them find the right clothes for an occasion? Obviously, I ask what the occasion is and where it will be held. Climate and location can help determine what fabric might be appropriate. Then I will ask them a few other questions such as what they have worn in the past. Are they comfortable with their body? Is there an area they would like to hide, and most importantly who they want to be for that occasion - all while keeping true to their lifestyle and identity. 
Please tell us some “must haves” that women should have available to them in their closets. Wow! That is a multifaceted question. I think that most women know they need the basics, and for the most part have that down. The black pant, the white shirt, the cashmere sweater, the little black dress. Women, don’t need me to offer that kind of advice. However, the proper undergarments, the right shoe and bag are all critical elements when getting dresses. These items will make or break the most beautiful look. When I worked with Donna Karan she always talked about starting with the “foundations.” I think she was a genius for focusing on this. They can transform your body and the fit of a dress. One can have an exquisite dress, but with an ill - fitting bra, the only thing anyone notices is the lump or bump. The same goes for carrying the wrong bag. There is nothing worse than a day bag being carried for night. Women need to change their bags for each occasion. 
 
What can you tell about a person when you walk in a room? Sometimes you can tell what their tastes might gravitate towards based on how they are dressed, even when they are in their casual day wear. But I have philosophy, there is so much more to a person than one perceives at first glance. 
Who are some designers that have influenced your work, and how? There are countless fashion designers, interior designers, stylists and retailers who have influenced my work. I am lucky to work with fabulous creations daily. Yet sometimes it’s a fabric that might have an impact on me. This happens a lot with interior design fabrics. Sometimes a color that might be hot at the moment trickles down to fashion, and sometimes it has the opposite effect. The people that influence me daily include Alber Ebaz from Lanvin - a genius in the most whimsical way. He reminds me that it’s ok to wear volume and have fun with it. Others would be Nicolas Ghesguiere of Balenciaga, Olivier Theyskens - previously of Rochas and Nina Ricci, Diana Vreeland, Tony Duquette, Billy Baldwin, David Hicks, Carla Sozzani of 10 Corso Como in Milan -one of my favorite places to shop. She has a sensational eye for editing collections. Most of all, Grace Coddington, the Creative Director of Vogue. She is the reason I went to New York to be a stylist. She is imaginative in more ways than just fashion. When I opened the store, I wanted to buy her book Grace: Thirty Years of Fashion at Vogue. My second year in business, a friend left a copy on my desk. It now resides on the coffee table in the middle of the boutique. 
What are some trends we should look out for in clothing design? Any particular colors or styles? There are so many trends at the moment that no one can or should possibly try to pull off all of them. Women should take little tidbits from each. They should always be willing to step out of the box to incorporate these trends into their wardrobes. To name a few: I am fond of some of the softer silhouettes, open toe bootie because it hugs the foot and can change a simple dress to an edgier look, daytime metallic and sparkle, statement accessories in the form of necklaces and bracelets. I am all about the waist. This is an area that women tend to miss because they are focusing on their arms or their backside. I am thrilled that high waists are back along with the belt. Most of all, I think color is a very important element at the moment. Designers are using vibrant hues in unexpected ways. When was the last time we thought about wearing a vibrant yellow shoe? Given what has happened in the economy, color is a nice place to pick up one of these trends. It lifts the spirits and makes you feel good. Plus, it doesn’t have to cost too much. I am crazy for nude and feel everyone needs something in this shade. There is so much skepticism about this color, however. Most think it washes them out. It’s really about finding the right nude for your skin tone. I have heard a lot of talk in the store that clients feel the platform trend is over. I am not sure where they are reading or hearing this, but I can tell you it’s no longer a trend, it is a staple. The platform is here to stay. It makes wearing a high heel fun again because they are so comfortable. Who is your dream client and why? I am so fortunate; I dress my dream client daily. Most people say their dream client is a celebrity of some sort. I have already done that so for me it’s the women I am dressing now. They are amazing. I am captivated by their beauty, but most of all their intelligence and knowledge. Greenwich and its surrounding area has some of the most fascinating women I have ever met. I am humbled when I learn that they have put their trust in me to guide them in an area that I love so much. The clients who I have been lucky to work with keep my passion and integrity for this industry alive. 
Dighton RhodeTel: (203)622-4600 |
