THESKINI.COM

June 2005

INI + IVY

by Martina Priadka

Step into Calhoun Square and the energy from this hot romance almost lifts you off your feet carrying you to the storefront of the newly opened boutique known as Ivy. Ini is the man in her life having made her everything she is today. A man with vision as well as exceptional taste, Ini started in the fashion business as a model and quickly added fashion buyer, designer and entrepreneur to his resume. His discerning eye for space and beauty is exemplified in the stores simple, elegant design. The fashion offered is trend setting and unique with the choices changing continuously. His projects are always innovative and creative which is what sets Ivy apart from just any clothing store. Weekends here make shopping a social event as Ivy puts on her party clothes and offers beer, wine and the sounds of local dj’s during Ivy Lounge. Chill, chat or shop in a completely unique environment. Since Ini is the founder of theskini it was easy for us to catch up with him and find out the inside details on this project as well plans for the future. Is this blatant self promotion on our part? Maybe so, but when it’s this good why not talk about it!

TS: Where did the Ivy dream begin?
I I: I would say it began after spending 2.5 years managing and buying for a local men's store. When the owner and I couldn't agree on a selling price for the store I knew right then that it was just a matter of time b/4 I'd open my own store. Only this time I new I wanted it to be exclusively women’s.

TS: Why is that?
I I: Although men all over are taking care of themselves more now than ever, it seems that men in Mpls are still behind. At the men's store, I felt that I constantly had to reassure my customers that a pair of pants looked good or that pointy shoes are in. I've said this before and I'll say it again, when a man has a bad day he goes to the bar and spends $50, when a woman has a good or bad day she goes to IVY and spends $200, that's why.

TS: How long did it take to bring to life?
I I: Once I decided that I was ready to make it happen, it took about a year. To my surprise finding the space took the longest.

TS: Why Ivy?
I I: I knew I would be asked this, which is why I came up with the story of living in Nigeria where I had a pet elephant named Ivy. No seriously, Ivy simply by default, b/c my first two choices Sugar and Ginger were taken and Ivy was the first of 100 names I wrote down after that. I told myself that when I went back to register the name, if Ivy was available that would be the name, and from that IVY NOT ENVY!! was born.

TS: What does IVY NOT ENVY!! mean?
I I: To me it means if you see a lovely lady with a great outfit on, compliment her but there's no need to be envious b/c you too can get your great outfit from Ivy.

TS: What type of person is an Ivy person?
I I: The Ivy woman is one that understands the trends but independent enough to do her own thing. She's confident and a little edgy.

TS: What looks and brands are offered in Ivy?
I I: Right now the store is very summery; we have a great mix of jeans by Tag, Antik, and Colin's; t-shirts by Doe, tokidoki, Ivy, Zooey, A&G and Drifter all alongside tops and dresses by Follies, Hale Bob, and Black Halo. We have great trousers from Gavin, shoes by Betsey Johnson, Mauricio Medeiros and finally hand bags by Hand Maid, Treesje, Gustto, and vintage bags from Gwen Leeds.

TS: Who designed the store?
I I: The design of the store has been in my head for about two years and kept evolving with my travels to LA, Chicago, NY and especially London. When I stayed at the Sanderson which is an Ian Schrager hotel, I was inspired by his use of space, fabric, and color all in a minimal but elegant way.

TS: What makes Ivy different from other boutiques?
I I: Ivy is different b/c it's truly a boutique. The store was designed to purposely showcase the clothes in a minimal fashion. That and the fact that we're cross marketing with other retailers and of course our selection in the clothes we bring in for our customers.

TS: Anything new and exciting coming soon?
I I: This month Ivy presents Ivy Lounge where fashion, art, and music come together. The idea here is similar to that of my friend Robyne Robinson’s Flatland Gallery where she introduced talented local artists whose works were also affordable. We hope to do the same, but this time we're adding clothes and music. Also, this September Ivy is teaming up with two other boutiques to do a fashion show where we'll showcase the fall collection.

TS: How are theskini and Ivy related?
I I: Theskini and Ivy are related because I believe they have a lot of the same goals. Four years ago when theskini was launched, there was nothing like it in this town, yet it was welcomed b/c it's a fresh and original idea. The target audience of the two is similar, and both projects reflect significant changes about to happen in this town (so we hope).

TS: Are there any plans past Ivy?
I I: Yes, every man must dream.

TS: Can you let us in on any of them. Come on, just a hint?
I I: Maybe some more stores, maybe one for men when they are ready for it, but I have always been interested in clubs and restaurants too. It will depend on what offers itself up. It always comes down to the right place at the right time.

TS: You definitely are a visionary and trend setter for Minneapolis/St. Paul. Any tips for us on what is upcoming in the design and/or fashion world this season?
I I: Thank you for the kind words, but I don't think I am either a visionary or trend setter b/c with that comes a huge responsibility. On the design end, I do however think that those in charge of the development of uptown need to take their cues from Buck town in Chicago, and meat packing dist. in NYC. On the fashion end, we all know that denim is hot and it's not going anywhere, but look for a big resurgence of dress trousers for women ranging from boot cut, wide leg to palazzo. Trousers are going to be big for fall.

IVY - www.shopivy.com
calhoun square | 3001 hennepin avenue | minneapolis mn 55408 | 612.827.2764

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