High end, but at what real cost?

On Monday, April 11 I ventured into Riccardi Boston on Newbury St. to fulfill a request from a reader and colleague of mine.  Now I had heard of this internationally known boutique, but I'd never been inside to visit or shop.  Since this was the case, I went to their website http://www.riccardiboston.com/ to see what kinds of things that they would be offering.  After perusing the online store, I was extremely excited and eager to get this project going.  Riccardi carries designers such as Balmain, Rodarte, D-Squared, Junya Watanabe, Dior Homme, Sacai and so much more.  Their denim collection too is something to be marveled.  So needless to say, after seeing all this I could hardly wait to see what was in store for my visit.

As I believe most American shoppers feel, I am always interested in how the sales associates will impart that particular store's customer service.  At J. Crew you get smiles from a sales associateas they warmly greet you at the front whilst folding something lovely, at The Gap you have a smiling, fast paced salesperson on  headset welcoming you and at both the previous stores I've reviewed for this blog, RUGBY and Jack Spade respectively, I was greeted and asked if there was anything that I could be helped with during my shopping experience.  Well I don't know if it was the way I was dressed or the fact that when I walked in I was immediately walking around admiring the collection and analyzing the garments,but I was never even acknowledged.

I believe the owner, Riccardo Dallai, was talking to a friend as I entered.  There were four other employees who did not feel the need to do anything.  In fact, as I was walking through the first floor I came across one sales woman who was busy on her phone and as I passed by, didn't even have the decency to get off it as I passed by her.  But none the less, that did not deter me from looking at the magnificent men's collection.  I was particularly enamoured with the Junya Watanabe.  He is a designer that I have been admiring since I first saw his runway looks on GQ's website a few years back.  They were absolutely gorgeous and chic.  If I had the ability, I would own everything in that store that was made by him.  And if I could, this is the outfit I'd buy from Riccardi.

Junya Watanabe: Red Check Shirt

Junya Watanabe: Cotton Shorts

 I also got the opportunity to see this fabulous garment in person:



Dior Homme- Twisted Top w/ Lapel

I love Dior Homme.  And by the grace of God, I actually own a piece from a previous collection and it is a knock out and always commented on by others.  Dior Homme is so different and out there.  Under former director Hedi Slimane, the line introduced a slim silhouette which today, new director Kris Van Assche, has continued.  Dior Homme also plays with androgyny and feminism, as seen here with the shape of this tunic style top.  In person, the lapel gives it a very structured and masculine feel, while the twisted shape in the body and fabric choice keep the feminine and airy feel.  I would love to work this garment on the streets of Boston headed to a fabulous night of cocktails.

For a less formal look, try some of their fun t-shirts by Comme des Garcons.  They have an especially unique line of Beatles inspired items for all you music/Beatles fans.

Comme des Garcons Beatles: Comme Beatles Polka Dot/Apple Tee

And if you want to see some of the precious gems of couture in Boston, head upstairs to their women's department.  And even though Joseph,  a Riccardi buyer, salesperson and merchandiser, didn't want to have to go upstairs just for this Chic Chanteur to browse the collection, I made him do it anyway, so you do it too.  And thank God I did.  The collection, most of which I had seen online, is exquisite!!!  What can I say that can give you the clearest idea of how beautiful it is up there besides, go and see it yourself?  But I will give you a little information on a few pieces and designers that perhaps you haven't seen or heard of yet.

Rodarte: Embossed and Tooled Leather Jacket
http://www.riccardiboston.com/womens/rodarte/972

This Rodarte leather jacket is sickeningly gorgeous.  It's structure and elegant brown swirl patterned leather are a sight to behold.  Plus this is such a unique shape, cropped high above the waist, it would be a chic addition to the wardrobe of one of you divas ready to stand out among the crowd.

And if, in your opinion, this is a tame look, check out the collection of Balmain that Riccardi carries.



Balmain: Blazer with Chains



Balmain: Sequin Moto Jacket


I love this military inspired line for the Spring season .  These and other garments of theirs are great stand out pieces.  These are great for the diva who's ready to show the world who she is and what she stands for!

I'm very excited that I found a new designer that I am absolutely taken with, Sacai.  When I saw the pieces online, I thought, "interesting".  But when I saw them in person at Riccardi, I thought, "... gorgeous!". This all goes to show that with such high quality workmanship, you have to see it in person to see how the fabric and details really look and how they move.  This season for Sacai, the pieces are very whimsical and soft, and also carry, for me, a hint of Alice in Wonderland.

Sacai: Pleated Shear Skirt w/ Slip

Sacai: Cable Knit Dress w/Trench Belt and Hem

And there is so much more to see online and in person, so please do take a look.  If I could, I would have one of the Sacai pieces in my collection ASAP.

And let me please show you ladies one last of my favorites.  He is a god in men's fashion and when I saw his women's work, I was breathless and aghast.  Junya Watanabe is fierce through and through. I find his collection, both women's and men's, to be chic and so fresh and current.  So I'd like to share with you two looks that I think are incredible.




Junya Watanabe: Striped Knit Dress


Now I know what some of you may be thinking, "Who shot the Zebra?".  And that wasn't exactly what I though when I first saw it online, but somewhere along those lines.  However, when I saw this beautiful sleek garment in person, I was shocked by its beauty.  This piece is casual, yet elegant.  Factors I can see are strongholds in Watanabes's collections.



Junya Watanabe: Draped Linen Dress

Here is another shocker.  It's a bit difficult to see how this dress could be flattering on anyone, but yet again, in person I was floored by it's beauty and sophistication.  What a gorgeous piece this would be to wear to a fabulous cocktail party.  Please, please, please either search online at http://www.riccardiboston.com/

or head over to the store on Newbury St. to see more of this outstanding designer.

When I was able to actually have a descent conversation with Joseph, I learned a lot about the company.  For starters, Bostonians are not their prime customer, nor do they feel concerned at the fact that that is the case.  Riccardi's customers are highly global, which comes from international tourists in Boston, international students and orders that come into the store from around the world.  That said, they will shortly begin increasing their shopping online.  Sadly, it seems we lowly and non high balling Bostonians aren't necessarily the prime targets for Riccardi.  When I asked "why then have a store in Boston versus New York", Joseph said it's a nice chance to share new designers to the city of Boston while also being able to pick pieces to be a part of the collection that are stand outs and something you wouldn't come across at other department store retailers.  So it is true that we have a special haven for high end retail in Riccardi, but don't expect to be treated like a valued customer.  Strange, when so many of Boston fashion curious people would welcome and enjoy an education in designer clothing.  So enter at your own risk, but if you do take that risk, you are in store for a world full of exciting and aesthetically pleasing clothing.

Cheers,

The Chic Chanteur