This fall, there are exciting new palettes and styles for men and women, and couples often enjoy shopping together. “It's always a beautiful thing when couples come in together,” says Carl Sterr II, founder of Carl Sterr 1922. “If you know much about the men’s clothing business, you know you’re selling to a woman nine times out of 10.”
He and his staff are happy to collaborate with women when it comes to dressing their other halves, but many quickly realize that they don’t really have to be there. The team at Carl Sterr knows what they’re doing.
At Pearl, store manager Gigi Badalamenti finds that women sometimes come in with their significant others and appreciate their input. Gigi and her team are always on hand to assist too.
These two long-time high-end fashion retailers will be partnering this month at Sip & Stride at the Lochmoor Club. The event, which will feature live models strolling throughout the club wearing the latest fall fashions, will take place on September 17 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Carl and his brother Richard, who works alongside him in the store, will be two of the models. “Clayton Fox, who's been working with us for a little over two years, will also be modeling some of the clothes,” says Carl. “If there are three of us, that is potentially nine outfits, three a piece.”
The curated fall-focused outfits will reflect what buyers can find in the stores. For his three outfits, Carl is first leaning toward a more formal look in a suit, tie, and vest. A scarf and a fedora will possibly complete the look. Next, he would like to present a more casual look by donning a sport coat, a shirt with a neckerchief, and another vest.
“I may pair those with flannel trousers and Chelsea boots,” he says. “After that, I'll probably do a lifestyle piece, which might include a suede vest with a tweed or plaid trouser, and a jacket over the shoulder, maybe in leather or cashmere.” A driving cap worn in reverse may complete the look.
Carl especially loves adding vests to an outfit to incorporate layers—not only do they look great, but they also keep wearers comfortable, especially during cold Michigan winters. “I'm a big believer in dressing for the weather,” he says.
At Pearl, buyer Cheryl DiMauro is excited to showcase outfits at Sip & Stride to celebrate the fall season. Female models will be pairing up with the male models from Carl Sterr 1922.
“We're the female version of how Carl Sterr wardrobes his clients, and I chose a good representative of some really wonderful brands that we carry to provide a sophisticated chic look,” she says.
Outfits will include eveningwear as well as daywear. “We're doing trousers and some dresses, and it'll all be in the palettes of fall—browns and ecrus plus accent colors in merlot, pine green, and blue,” says Cheryl.
Both Pearl and Carl Sterr 1922 carry brands that are not available elsewhere in the area. “We’ll have ARVA leather goods, we'll have Borges, which has a beautiful shoe from Italy, and COGTHEBIGSMOKE,” she says.
“COGTHEBIGSMOKE is just the coolest brand ever and a favorite here,” says Gigi. “LISA YANG knitwear is another big one, and we'll also have Comme Si accessories and loungewear.”
Both retailers look forward to meeting new friends and reintroducing themselves to old ones at Sip & Stride. This fun and free event will also include a jazz band, bourbon and wine tastings, and hors d'oeuvres.