Gigi Burris Millinery just unveiled its first retail store in Chinatown. Nestled on the charming, pedestrian-only Pell Street, the new location combines classic millinery tradition with a dose of downtown cool.
In celebration, the designer and founder of non-profit organization Closely Crafted held a cocktail party with close friends and fellow CFDA members, including Maxwell Osborne, Victor Glemaud, Jonathan Cohen and Bach Mai.
The romantic parlor floor space pays homage to her love for artisan craftsmanship, including bespoke silk faille hat box displays, custom hanging hat racks from a local Brooklyn woodworker, a turn-of-the-century postage desk, and upholstery from fabric milled in the United States.
“One of the most cherished aspects of my occupation is working directly with individuals to find the perfect piece—may it be for a wedding, trip, special occasion or just a beautifully made hat for everyday wear,” said Burris. “The reward of seeing someone leave feeling more confident than when they arrived is something I look forward to experiencing now that we have a physical space to welcome clients into.”
The store located at 23 Pell St. offers a diverse selection of hat collections for both men and women, in addition to an assortment of hair accessories and pieces for brides-to-be. Shoppers can also infuse their personal style to purchases with ribbons and embellishments at the on-site customization station for a tailored creation.