Juliana Cho is the Founder and Designer of Annelore, a One of a Kind “Made in New York City” Boutique, That is a Must See On Your Next Trip
New York City is brimming with amazing boutiques offering women’s clothing, accessories, shoes and bags that can’t be found anywhere else, offering rare finds as unique to their patrons as these wondrous boutiques are to NYC. Annelore is a small boutique that caters to professional women best described by founder and designer Juliana Cho as “successful, fierce working women who kick ass every day in NYC and look amazing while doing so.” It is one of NYC’s extraordinary designer-owned boutiques where you’ll find nothing but one-of-a-kind designs that don’t follow any trends, but “run in the opposite direction”.
“Why do the same thing that everyone else is doing? One of the main reasons I have such a loyal customer base is that they know they are buying something special that they won’t see everyone else wearing,” Cho said.
Cho, who has a bachelor’s degree from U.C. Berkley and a fashion design degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, spent nine years in the fashion industry, including working for Catherine Malandrino, before deciding to take a leap in 2002 to start Annelore in a small 400 square-foot storefront in the West Village. Cho’s dedication to her customers successfully navigated her through her first years as an entrepreneur and continues to be the primary source of her inspiration.
What inspired you to start your own business?
I always knew I was going to start my own line, even when I was designing for other fashion houses. I have always loved fashion, but I also love the idea of having direct contact with the customer. That’s why I decided to open my own boutiques.
How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
Annelore is inspired by New York City and the women who live here. It’s about timeless silhouettes, luxe fabrics, razor-sharp tailoring, and custom detailing.
Do you have any favorite customers or customer stories you can share?
All my customers are favorites and most have been loyal to our brand for over 10 years. I witnessed many of our customers scrape together money for their first Annelore piece, get their outfit for their first job interview from us, build an Annelore wardrobe while working their way to the top. They’ve worn Annelore on their first dates, engagement dinners, weddings…
How do you balance creativity with commerce?
Because I have my own boutiques, I interact directly with my customers who inspire me to be a better designer every season. The commerce inspires my creativity, and my creativity perpetuates the commerce.
What advice would you give to young women entrepreneurs starting out today?
Take the time to really learn your craft and define who your customer is before you start your business.
The Annelore collection is handmade in New York City and showcases beautiful fabrics combined with chic silhouettes. With the Annelore Fall 2013 collection you’ll find beautiful jacquard prints, hand loomed knits, and rich silks and wools. The combination of rich fabrics and precision tailoring makes the Annelore collections alluring and timeless.
Visit the original Annelore boutique in the West Village or stop by the new Annelore boutique in TriBeCa, which opened in 2012, to see the new Spring 2014 collection and you’re likely to see Juliana Cho there, diligently working on her Fall 2014 line. Enjoy!
West Village
636 Hudson Street
New York, NY 10014
212.255.5574
TriBeCa
18 Jay Street
New York, NY 10013
212.775.0077
TAGS: designers lifestyle