The Webster: When Paris is Not Enough
We sell a lot of prints and bright colors compared to Paris where it is all about black, grey and neutrals.
When three über-sophisticated partners with pedigreed backgrounds in the fashion industry decided to open their own ultra-chic emporium, they did not opt for Paris, New York, or Rome. Instead, Laure Hériard Dubreuil, Frederic Dechnik and Milan Vukmirovic decided to open their ode to luxury, The Webster, in the heart of South Beach in a historical, art deco gem.
While its neighbors tout their wares to the masses, the three-story, 20,000 square foot shrine to high fashion is curated to provide Miami’s elite and their international cohorts an exclusive selection of men’s and women’s fashion, accessories, and jewelry that rivals, and even surpasses, collections in fashion capitals anywhere.
The Webster is equally revered for its impeccable service, shoppers are provided with a private valet and their own personal stylist, as for its designer labels. “We opened with the most established brands like Lanvin, Prada, YSL, Balenciaga and Alaia,” says Laure Hériard Dubreuil, The Webster’s chief executive officer. “We slowly added more contemporary brands like Alexander Wang and Proenza Schouler and up-and-coming designers like Irini Arakas for Prova.”
As a member of the Rémy Cointreau family, good taste comes easily to Laure who grew up in Cognac, in the Southwestern region of France, traveled extensively, and honed her skills at the storied houses of Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent. Dechnik, the chief operating officer, also hails from France where he toiled for Hermes, and was later part of the team that helped re-launch the Gucci brand name.
It was during a rainy day in Paris that the two, along with Milan, the store’s creative director, a fashion photographer, and one of the founders of the renowned concept store Colette, committed to opening a boutique in sunny Miami Beach.
What distinguishes the Miami Beach customer from its Parisian counterpart? “The feminity of the women, high-heel shoes and little dresses are flying out of the store, and, of course, the color palette,” states Hériard Dubreuil. “We sell a lot of prints and bright colors compared to Paris where it is all about black, grey and neutrals.”
Together, Laure, Frederic and Milan have filled the haute couture void missing from the southern part of Miami Beach and have made The Webster a must-stop shopping Mecca on the fashionista’s itinerary.
