joelbolt
11-04-2006, 01:59 PM
Chargers Tight End Joins Fashionable Fiancée in Opening ‘Closet’ Boutique (http://www.sdbj.com/article.asp?aID=106786&link=perm)
By JESSICA LONG
San Diego Business Journal Staff
A San Diego Charger and his fiancée are inviting people to join them in the closet — Elizabeth’s Closet that is.
The newest retail shop on Prospect Street in La Jolla is a high-end boutique carrying both men’s and women’s fashions. At only about 700 square feet, the shop interior is designed to have an intimate feel of a walk-in closet.
Chargers’ tight end Antonio Gates, No. 85, and fiancé Elizabeth Patterson, a former model and businesswoman, are co-owners in the endeavor. The couple held grand-opening festivities Nov. 4.
The 33-year-old Patterson, who runs the shop’s day-to-day operation, has been involved in the fashion industry for the past decade, first as a model, then later with Bloomingdale’s corporate operations in New York and Beverly Hills.
“As I was modeling in Europe through the years and saw all the fashion activity around me, I always wanted to own my own boutique,” Patterson said.
Patterson, a graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, said she solidified her passion for fashion while interning for renowned designer Nicole Miller.
As an intern, Patterson learned the ins and outs of the retail fashion business, dealing with customer service, tracking and ordering of merchandise, and other less glamorous aspects of the fashion industry. Although the internship program was rigorous, Patterson said she loved every minute of it.
About 60 percent of what Elizabeth’s Closet carries is for women, leaving about 40 percent of the merchandise for men — big men such as the 6-foot, 4-inch, 260-pound Gates.
“Antonio always looks in my bags and says, ‘What did you get for me?’ but it’s such a challenge to find things for him and guys like him,” Patterson said.
The remedy: Gates, along with input from his Chargers teammates, is in the process of designing a line of “sophisticated, fashion-forward” shirts for men with large athletic bodies.
Patterson estimates her average customer to be a woman, age 20 and older, looking to buy for herself and her significant other. Although the majority of the merchandise is for adult men and women, a small amount of youth items are also available.
“I would say Elizabeth’s Closet has a little bit of everything for everyone in your family,” Patterson said.
Because her shop is only 700 square feet, Patterson plans to attract much of her business via regular events to include designer trunk shows and in-store wine tastings. She’s also planning to be a regular charitable contributor.
By JESSICA LONG
San Diego Business Journal Staff
A San Diego Charger and his fiancée are inviting people to join them in the closet — Elizabeth’s Closet that is.
The newest retail shop on Prospect Street in La Jolla is a high-end boutique carrying both men’s and women’s fashions. At only about 700 square feet, the shop interior is designed to have an intimate feel of a walk-in closet.
Chargers’ tight end Antonio Gates, No. 85, and fiancé Elizabeth Patterson, a former model and businesswoman, are co-owners in the endeavor. The couple held grand-opening festivities Nov. 4.
The 33-year-old Patterson, who runs the shop’s day-to-day operation, has been involved in the fashion industry for the past decade, first as a model, then later with Bloomingdale’s corporate operations in New York and Beverly Hills.
“As I was modeling in Europe through the years and saw all the fashion activity around me, I always wanted to own my own boutique,” Patterson said.
Patterson, a graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, said she solidified her passion for fashion while interning for renowned designer Nicole Miller.
As an intern, Patterson learned the ins and outs of the retail fashion business, dealing with customer service, tracking and ordering of merchandise, and other less glamorous aspects of the fashion industry. Although the internship program was rigorous, Patterson said she loved every minute of it.
About 60 percent of what Elizabeth’s Closet carries is for women, leaving about 40 percent of the merchandise for men — big men such as the 6-foot, 4-inch, 260-pound Gates.
“Antonio always looks in my bags and says, ‘What did you get for me?’ but it’s such a challenge to find things for him and guys like him,” Patterson said.
The remedy: Gates, along with input from his Chargers teammates, is in the process of designing a line of “sophisticated, fashion-forward” shirts for men with large athletic bodies.
Patterson estimates her average customer to be a woman, age 20 and older, looking to buy for herself and her significant other. Although the majority of the merchandise is for adult men and women, a small amount of youth items are also available.
“I would say Elizabeth’s Closet has a little bit of everything for everyone in your family,” Patterson said.
Because her shop is only 700 square feet, Patterson plans to attract much of her business via regular events to include designer trunk shows and in-store wine tastings. She’s also planning to be a regular charitable contributor.