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And just in time for Small Business Saturday, Nov. 26.
Alice Wang and Sara Weinreb, who grew up together and even played on the same softball team 15 years ago, have teamed up with their separate companies -- Wang designs UNIFORME, a direct-to-consumer luxury womenswear brand while Weinreb runs IMBY, an e-commerce startup featuring ethical, American-made garments under $200 -- in a one-day-only pop-up at hip-kid in Chappaqua (77 S. Greeley Ave.) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Though completely separate businesses, Wang says the two founders share overlapping missions and values towards responsible, domestic manufacturing.
Both women have dabbled in different careers along the way, ultimately ending in fashion. Wang, a Yale grad, worked in independent film production in NYC --her last project was co-producing "Tiny Furniture," Lena Dunham’s first feature film. -- as well as served as Madonna's personal assistant, and later as assistant to Hotelier Ian Schrager's before launching UNIFORME.
Weinreb, on the other hand, who has a background in design thinking, tech and social enterprise, launched her own social impact driven businesses "as a frustrated consumer looking for more accessible ethical fashion options." This, after helping hundreds of women entrepreneurs with their own successes.
As for what folks can expect to find at their pop-up, here's a brief breakdown.
IMBY: The collection consists of American-made essentials that are "anything but basic" from emerging, independent fashion designers, all priced at under $200. The company curates capsule wardrobe essentials, helping busy, on- the-go women get dressed effortlessly.
"Everything we sell is made to mix-and-match, and make getting dressed simple, without sacrificing looking great," said Weinreb. "Some of our most popular items are our cool cut loose leggings, live in tees, cardigans, and our fan-favorite convertible pantsuit."
UNIFORME: Wang started the company with a simple mission: To honor women who value beauty, simplicity and integrity. The company makes refined, tailored garments executed to standards of true luxury sourcing fabrics from the same mills that supply the finest bespoke menswear tailors as well as ready-to-wear collections for Hermes, Chanel, The Row, and Yves Saint Laurent.
The garments are then cut and sewn in New York City’s garment district. The current collection consists of merino-silk and organic linen tees ($115-$145), Giza 45 Swiss-milled cotton shirts ($225-$495), statement wide-leg pants ($425-$795) and cashmere blankets and scarves ($395-$525).
Wang said the Jenna Off Shoulder Shirt is one of the more popular UNIFORME items but her personal favorite is the Zuch Shirt, a simple structured woven tee. The Andersen Tee in merino-silk has also been a staple with customers and the ultra wide-legged Caro Pants can be highlighted as a statement piece for holiday parties or dressed down for a little everyday drama.
Both women look forward to collaborating more together in the future -- Weinreb said future pop-ups are possibilities -- though she'd also love her own brick and mortar locations (Chappaqua is on the list).
And though Wang's business is primarily e-commerce focused, she loves the experience of in-person trunk shows: when a client invites friends and family to their home for private shopping.
"It’s a really personal and customized experience and I enjoy that face-to-face interaction with my customers," she said.
"I’d love to come back to Chappaqua regularly to help women update their wardrobes with luxurious, timeless pieces."
Go to www.unifor.me/ and www.imby.io/ for more information.
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