1) What is your most favorite new feature about the space?

My favorite feature about my new retail space is … the space, the footprint! In Manhattan, large commercial space is certainly a luxury. I feel so fortunate to finally have the luxury of space to properly showcase all my curated collections and my own Mark Ingram Bride. In addition, my clients can enjoy a calm and serene environment with more privacy. It is definitely more of an elevated experience.

2) What is your New York story of moving into this particular building? 

As a precocious 10-year-old child, my mom would send me downtown to the Donnell Library on 53rd Street to pick up the books and recordings she had reserved needed for her course studies for her degree. I mistakenly exited the E train at the Madison Avenue exit of the Fifth Avenue Station, and when I reached the street level, I was greeted by the magnificent bronze canopy and details of the DuMont Building just outside the exit. The building took my breath away and has continued to do so! I have always been fascinated and drawn to unique NYC architecture and design. 

3) Will you be carrying many more designers?

I have many designers on my roster just now. So, at this juncture, just because I now have more square footage, fine-tuning vs. adding is where my head is. I am focused on luxury brands and ensuring that each designer I carry fills a niche and tells a story…the story that is fully aligned with my overall brand.

4) Tell us more about the VIP-Concierge Experience

We have been tweaking and molding what that experience looked like for a few years in one old space. Not having the proper amount of space, decor, or feeling of luxury was always where we fell short. We certainly had the merchandise and the consulting talent on board. In our new home, we can offer more privacy and, to use the word again, an ‘elevated’ experience to the level that the Mark Ingram Bride would expect. We have definite ideas, but we are still tweaking what a VIP ‘package’ looks like and the suppliers and talents we want to incorporate into that experience.

5) What exciting new trends will you buy from this past market? 

Given that I have been in this industry in both retail and wholesale for decades now, ‘what is old is new again.’ I am very happy to see the return of the grand ball gown with minimal embellishments. It’s about great design, sumptuous fabric, and beautiful construction. Now that I have the space to properly showcase them, I am happy to see this re-emerging trend and plan to put some dollars in this category for certain. 

I am excited to see exquisite craftsmanship and forward artistry continuing with my primary vendors and will heartily support them.