Kelly Killoren Bensimon is a celebrated real estate agent, former model, and former cast member of Bravo TV’s reality series The Real Housewives of New York City. In 2019 the mom of two partnered with Nick Pologeorgis to produce an “effortless and high-quality” luxury outerwear brand, Enville, which now includes a home accessories collection.
Pieces are sold exclusively through the Pologeorgis store in Greenwich and online. The collection is in its 5th year and includes shearling and wool coats, jackets, cashmere sweaters, pillows, and throws. With a nod to some of the most iconic faces in the industry, Bensimon, or ‘KKB’ as she is known in fashion circles, has named items in the collection after the legendary greats of fashion; Lauren, Amber, Cindy, and Christy, to name a few.
Based in Manhattan, Pologeorgis is renowned for quality and unparalleled craftsmanship in furs, shearlings, and outerwear. The family-owned and operated business also offers client services like alterations or remodeling, tailoring, cleaning, and storage. Pologeorgis is an industry pioneer in forging relationships between fashion designers and the fur industry. Founded in 1960 by Stanley Pologeorgis, the team has collaborated with numerous prestigious fashion labels including Balmain, Ralph Rucci, Michael Kors, Derek Lam, and Zac Posen to name a few.
SB: How did the partnership with Pologeorgis come about?
KKB: My great friend and designer, Jill Stuart, was wearing an incredible Pologeorgis coat and it inspired me. The brand is well-known and respected among fashion industry insiders. My youngest daughter had a holiday fair coming up so I reached out to Nick and asked him if he would help me create something unique. We ended up putting mink on my Birkenstocks and it was a huge hit! I posted them on my Instagram and sold a few hundred during the holiday season. It was a lot of fun working on the project together so we decided to create outerwear pieces.
SB: What is your inspiration for the outerwear collection?
KKB: Enville is inspired by the jet-setting supermodel. My supermodel muse needs outerwear that can take her from the slopes of Courchevel to the streets of New York City, and everywhere in between. I’ve never been a fan of fashion boundaries. This project really allows me to explore my creativity in a fun way.
SB: Any plans to continue expanding the Enville product line?
KKB: We just expanded into a home line which is so exciting since home design and interiors are my secret passion. I design my home like I buy clothes. I'm always taking a nod to what's happening in fashion. I selected colors that will easily work with modern and clean interiors. These pieces add a little luxury to any nook. My family and friends love snuggling up on my pillows and throws, these pieces also made amazing housewarming gifts. And, I might add that every home needs a fragrance. I use Alo diffusers that pump lavender into the air, and at night I spray Diptique’s Baies for a fresh evening smell. The scents linger on my home pieces and it adds another layer of luxury.
SB: How has the experience been working with the Pologeorgis team?
KKB: I love working with Pologeorgis because they make my dreams come true. Whatever ideas I have for outerwear- Nick always tells me, "if you want it- we will make it". The Enville collection features high-quality pieces in wool, shearling, and cashmere. Their team brings a lot of resources and talent to the table so I mainly focus my approach on creating fashion-forward styles matched with easy-going colors.
SB: What pieces in the Enville collection are your favorite?
KKB: Right now I'm wearing the Amber wool grooved wool zip jacket, it's perfect for transitioning into spring. Managing a Real Estate team of 12 agents at Douglas Elliman in New York, the Hamptons, Florida, and Connecticut keeps me busy so I need pieces that are versatile throughout the day. And when I'm out running errands I'm in the Hemingway safari jacket. It's an easy utilitarian piece that has a detachable shearling liner. I love wearing pieces from the Enville collection throughout the fall, winter, and spring!
SB: When you come to Greenwich, what are some of your stops?
KKB: I am so glad Nick opened his first retail location in Greenwich! I went to Trinity College and have a lot of connections to the community. I love visiting my friend Stephanie Seymour and going to the farm. My nephews went to Brunswick so I would see them in all their sports activities and performances. I love visiting Carriage House Motor Cars, and Greenwich Library. Belle Haven Country Club is so fun and I love that you can sail anytime you want. And, my favorite restaurant is Hinoki.
Visit the Pologeorgis store in Greenwich at 25 Lewis Street to shop Enville by Kelly Killoren Bensimon. For more information visit pologeorgis.com.