When asked how he met Joanie Dickinson, master menswear stylist and owner of the J. Hilburn Stylist Studio in Portsmouth, Darin Roark, President and COO of Wentworth Douglass Hospital, describes wandering around town after just moving to the Seacoast. “I was out exploring and stumbled upon the shop, and the next thing I know,” Roark continues, “We are chatting like old friends, and Joanie thanks me for what I do and offers a warm hug.” That sums up how Dickinson makes anyone who crosses her path feel, whether at her studio on the Vaughan Mall or through her work as a longtime Portsmouth Rotarian.
After sitting down with Dickinson to learn about J. Hilburn, it is clear that she is not just selling clothes to the ‘man about town.’ Sure, she offers custom-made menswear for any occasion, from a tuxedo to a T-shirt and everything in between. But, Dickinson explains, “Our sole objective is to make men look and feel freaking awesome and exude confidence in whatever they choose to wear.”
It requires a leap of faith and a lot of trust to let someone dress you, but after 14-plus years styling clients from here and afar, Dickinson and her team of four earn that trust. They invest in learning who you are and what your story is and then set about working their magic–a process that makes Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother look like a shoddy tailor.
Fellow Rotarian and local orthopedic surgeon Dr. Akhil Sastry understands the importance of first impressions in his line of work, which is one reason he initially met with J. Hilburn. He describes his first impressions of the experience: “Instantly, I knew this was a special place. Not because of the wonderful fabrics and patterns, but because they spent time getting to know me, my personality, and what attire works for my professional setting.” In fact, after admiring his colorful shirt buttons, Sastry showed me how the shirt cuff on his left sleeve is cut slightly wider to allow room for the watch or Whoop he wears daily. This attention to detail and customer care sets J. Hilburn apart.
Alex Rigazio, owner of The City, a local beer and wine chain, is a J. Hilburn fan for another reason. At 6’7”, Rigazio struggled to find clothes that fit. Tired of compromising on style, Rigazio made his first appointment for a suit a year ago and now has a wardrobe of shirts and pants, including jeans that perfectly fit his tall frame. He praises Dickinson for listening to his work and lifestyle needs while pushing him outside his comfort zone. What he likes most about J. Hilburn: “They make sure the clothes fit before I leave, and this takes all the hassle out of shopping.” All J. Hilburn items are 100% guaranteed to fit; if not, they will remake or return your purchase.
For Dickinson’s busy clients, convenience is vital. “My time is limited, and I am often in a rush,” explains everyone’s favorite local restaurateur, Massimo Morgia. He adds that “Part of the fun is sitting down with Graham (his stylist from Dickinson’s team) in my own space and custom designing a shirt–from the fabric to the collar and buttons, and then in two weeks, this perfectly fitted shirt arrives at my doorstep.”
With more than 200 shirting fabrics, 150 suiting and sport coat fabrics, 80 lining choices, and over 250 pant and knit fabric selections, not to mention choosing buttons, cuffs, collars, and yes, even stitching, having a stylist to guide you through the endless combinations is a necessity because as Dickinson notes, “Most men don’t like to shop or know what to wear.” And this is why J. Hilburn has created a flawless customer experience from measurement to delivery. After an initial appointment at your home, office, or studio, you can access a personalized web portal with your confirmed measurements. From here, you can view your “closet” and shop for new pieces or, like Massimo and others, opt to have a stylist come to you.
Your stylist becomes an advisor/therapist/best friend. Just ask Attorney John Bosen of Bosen & Associates, who started working with Dickinson 10 years ago initially for his wedding tux. Now he confesses, “Joanie pretty much dresses me for life–inside and outside of work,” adding, “I want her feedback on everything because it’s easy. I tell her what I need, and she puts together suggestions for me.”
That all sounds amazing and expensive, you are probably thinking. While not a discount store, J.Hilburn eliminates the distribution and retail channel. Unlike today’s trendy “fast fashion,” every item is built to last and made to order, reducing waste and the environmental footprint. So, while you will spend a little more than a mall store brand purchase, you are investing in a guaranteed-to-fit, fully custom-designed-for-you piece that will last a lifetime.
Best of all, Dickinson and her style gurus will make you feel like a Prince and look “freaking awesome.” That is priceless.
Meet the “Models”
Darin Roark, President and COO of Wentworth-Douglass Hospital
John Bosen, Founder and Attorney of Bosen & Associates
Dr. Akhil Sastry, Orthopedic Surgeon at Atlantic Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine
Alex Rigazio, Owner of The City
Massimo Morgia, Owner of Ristorante Massimo
Meet the Stylists
Joanie Dickinson, Owner and Master Stylist, 15 years
Liz Fregeau, Stylist, 12 years
Graham Shaffer-Rais, Master Stylist, 11 years
Bill MacDonald, Stylist, 8 years
Stephanie Retrosi, Stylist
