Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Earlier this year, Seattle-based department-store chain Nordstrom made a big bet on luxury fashion by bringing on famed personal stylist Catherine Bloom in a newly created role: director of luxury styling. Los Angeles-based Bloom had previously made a name for herself at Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills, where she even operated her own discreet, unadvertised “Bloom’s Room” boutique.
At the famously customer service-minded Nordstrom, Bloom is taking her exclusive boutique concept to the next level: The retailer has given her the keys to its eight-year-old Nordstrom Local location on L.A.’s famed Melrose Place, where The Row, Bottega Veneta, Thom Browne and Maison Margiela are among its neighbors.
“Catherine is one of the most respected stylists in the business, and we’re excited to have her on the team,” said Pete Nordstrom, co-CEO of Nordstrom, in a statement. “We look forward to providing Catherine’s clients with outstanding service and unique experiences as we open this new space.”
As of Oct. 29, 8401 Melrose Place has been transformed into Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom, an appointment-only studio with high-end service and a luxury fashion offering entirely curated by Bloom herself.
“When I started as director of luxury styling at Nordstrom, I knew there was a gap in the market for a luxury, multi-brand concept that offered one-to-one styling appointments,” Bloom tells Fashionista over email. “The Nordstrom team and I worked closely, along with Brigette Romanek, to create an elevated retail experience where the services feel intimate and truly customized.”
Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Romanek, a renowned interior designer, helped Bloom breathe new life into the Nordstrom Local space, reworking it into “a space that felt like home; welcoming and elevated, yet deeply personal,” as Bloom puts it.
In many ways, Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom is an evolution of Bloom’s existing personal styling business: She’s brought on her own team of styling assistants to staff the space and already knows her clientele — a mix of Hollywood stars and powerful executives — well. She does all buying for the store herself.
“I personally curate every piece in the studio based on my clients’ needs while including pieces that are truly distinct. There are established houses that my clients already love, but also new designers I believe in. There will also be pieces that my clients can only purchase at Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom which is really special,” she explains, adding, “The assortment is fluid and will evolve each season, reflecting both what inspires me and what resonates with my clients.”
Related: Why Luxury Shopping Is Getting Even *More* Exclusive
Given the concept’s appointment-only nature, there’s a big emphasis on personalized customer service. Below, Bloom discusses what that experience entails, how it aligns with her overall goals for Nordstrom in her new role, how she’s meeting the needs of today’s luxury consumer and the possibility of additional locations.
Will you be on-site yourself and working with clients?
Absolutely. I’ll be at the studio regularly and personally working with clients by appointment. My favorite part of what I do has always been that one-on-one connection.
How does this venture fit into your overall role and goals for Nordstrom as its first director of luxury styling?
My role is about redefining what luxury styling looks like for the modern client and this venture is only the beginning. We’re continuing to evolve and shape our approach to luxury through a more intimate lens, creating experiences that feel both elevated and effortlessly personal.
Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Tell me about the experience; what does an appointment at Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom entail from start to finish? What’s unique about it?
Every appointment begins with a conversation. We talk about our clients’ lifestyles, upcoming events, how they want to feel. From there, my team and I pull looks tailored precisely for that client. We handle everything — fit sessions, alterations, delivery and more.
What makes it unique is how deeply personal and intimate the experience feels. It’s not about walking into a store and browsing. Every appointment is thoughtfully tailored to the individual. Each client is welcomed in a way that feels special and distinctly their own, with every detail designed around their needs.
Who do you envision as the typical client at Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom? What is she looking for?
Our typical client is someone who is fashion-conscious and discerning as they value style as an extension of themselves. They look for someone who understands their vision and can bring it to life seamlessly.
Why does this type of appointment-based luxury styling concept make sense in the broader retail landscape? How does it meet the needs of today’s luxury fashion consumer?
It’s more personal, as today’s luxury clients are looking for more than just access. We not only know our clients’ lifestyles, but we know their family and friends, which builds a layer of trust that’s not often present in stylist/client relationships. Having an appointment-only space allows us to slow down the process to really listen and tailor each interaction.
How do you see this concept evolving in the future? Any plans for additional locations or do you see this as being L.A.-specific?
For now, this studio is very much rooted in L.A. as the city’s creative energy and global reach make it the perfect home. That said, the possibilities are endless. But first, we want to make sure this one feels perfect.
Catherine Bloom for Nordstrom is open by appointment only Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Clients can make appointments via email at CatherineBloomforNordstrom@Nordstrom.com or at 323-602-2201.
Source: Fashionista.com
Be First to Comment