GRAND (RE)OPENING 2012! - Wilkes Bashford

vision to serve a high-end customer hedeemed “the bold conservative,” WilkesBashford’s first designer was Brioni.“Their quality was widely known,but I went to them and asked for asimplification of the designs. I can’tbelieve I had the nerve to do that, butthey removed the decorative stitching.Over time their whole look evolved tothe elegant image of today’s collection.”The first American men’s designerto emerge was Ralph Lauren. In 1966,Wilkes took him on, bravely introducinghis famed neckties for $12.50, when thecompetitors were under $4 at the time.In 1984, Wilkes moved to his famousseven-story townhouse. He added awomen’s department in 1978 and in2001 opened in Palo Alto, to cater to theSilicon Valley crowd.Wilkes has always believed in the“total look,” helping many men andwomen who might know how to runmajor organizations, but need help indefining their own style. He stays awayfrom clothing that is too trendy. “If acustomer buys something unique, wellfyiWilkes was the first retailer to bringmany top designers from Italy, includingGiorgio Armani, to the Unites States.made and expensive, he wants to wear itfor a while.”Wilkes has always been very involvedin the community, frequently servingon boards, attending and hosting eventsfor countless charities. He has knownthe Mitchell family for about 25 years,through industry events and Europeanbuying trips. His merger with theMitchells has enabled him to grow andevolve his vision for a new generationand for this he is genuinely grateful.“There couldn’t be a better or morenatural match for us. In my opinion, it isa match made in heaven! How lucky it isin today’s world when that happens!”Into the future. All7 stories of our landmark SanFrancsisco Townhouse havebeen re-imagined to feel likeyou are being welcomed intoa gracious home.7the penthouseMen’s Custom, Kiton,Brioni, Bar & Lounge6the libraryMen’s Suiting& Furnishings,Ermenegildo Zegna5the stablesMen’s Sportswear, BrunelloCucinelli, Loro Piana4the livingroomWomen’s CouturefyifyiOne of the most influentialmen in fashion, WilkesBashford has been a fixtureon Esquire’s “InternationalMen of Fashion” since 1972.2the gardenWomen’s Shoes& Accessories,Pratesi3the artist’sstudioWomen’s Sportswear,Brunello Cucinelli,Loro PianaWilkes was one of the first to carryRalph Lauren, boldly introducinghis neckties for $12.50 when thecompetitors were under $4... the twohave been friends ever since.1thegrandfoyerMen’s Shoes, “Bestof Men’s,” Jewelry