When Jeffrey Kalinsky graduated from George Washington University he had hopes of becoming an actor. But, what he realized from his days of selling shoes while in school was that he was actually really good at that. He loved the interaction with the customers and they loved him as well. Having his own store became something he could really envision. He was living in New York and the cost to start up a retail store there was overwhelming, so he started looking at other major cities. He was from the South, knew the south, and his father had many many ladies driving from Atlanta to Charleston to buy shoes at Bob Ellis. So, seeing that Atlanta had a void to fill for a high end couture fashion destination, in 1990 Jeffrey came to be. He is truly passionate about what he does and bringing his client base what they want. Jeffrey is very much about women being able to dress for themselves and foster their individual style, not about being on trend. I asked Jeffrey if he had plans for any other locations and what he hopes more than anything, is that in ten years he is still doing this and that his two current stores are known for being great.
Jeffrey is also hugely philanthropic with his annual fundraiser called Jeffrey Fashion Cares (there are events in Atlanta and New York respectively). There is a great Time.com article from 2013 where Jeffrey talks more about why he started his foundation.
We asked out Tete-a-Tete questions and asked him to share with us some of his favorite pieces currently available in store.
Favorite drink before noon?
Very strong Starbucks french roast – black!
Favorite drink at 6pm?
Iced tea
Wine: red, white or champagne?
None- I don’t drink
Hors d’ouerve that is always in the cabinet or fridge?
Pigs in a blanket are a fave
Music go to when friends are over…. i.e. Pandora station?
I still listen to old mixes on my Ipod
Where would you like to go on vacation?
Hotel du Cap in Antibes, France
Favorite flower?
If I could only look at one flower forever it would have to be Yellow tulips
Dream guest to have over for dinner?
Barbara Streisand
Favorite restaurant?
Balthazar in New York City
And favorite thing to eat at this restaurant?
Lately I’m ordering Roasted chicken with asparagus – but my all time favorite is their hamburger and french fries, they have the best fries in the City!
Dress by Saint Laurent
Love the mix of colors on these Celine totes
Dior in the store
Gorgeous Celine mules
Dresses by Christian Dior
Coral suede clutch by Saint Laurent- love
Mannequins in Marc Jacobs
Saint Laurent suede fringe bag
Pops of color on the Saint Laurent vignette
