Women of Americana Series
March 8, 2024
March is Women's History Month which commemorates and encourages the study, observance and celebration of the vital role of women in American history. Americana Manhasset is proud to be home to so many influential female fashion designers, brand owners and powerhouses.
Over the past few weeks, we've been lucky enough to sit down with some of our very own. Read on as we delve into the stories and inspirations behind these remarkable women shaping the landscape of fashion.
My name is Kristen, I’m the Store Manager at Jimmy Choo and I’ve been working at the Americana Manhasset for 2 years.
Q: Growing up, what was your dream job?
A: My dream job since High School has been to be a Creative Director for a major fashion brand. I love the creative parts of the business.
Q: What is your favorite styling tip/fashion hack?
A: Favorite styling tip would have to be a classic nude pump. You can't go wrong with a nude pump in your wardrobe and we have the best shades of nude at Jimmy Choo.
Q: Styling trends to look out for this Spring?
A: Styling trend this year would definitely be 3D florals. Naturally for spring florals are always there, but this year they’re all about the 3D nature of the floral.
Q: If you could have lunch with one fashion icon, who would it be?
A: Ooh I love this…it would have to be Sarah Jessica Parker. I mean who wouldn't want to have lunch with Carrie Bradshaw?
Q: Best part about your position and working at Americana?
A: Oh so much, but I’d have to say working with brides is such a memorable experience. Getting them to say “I do in shoe" and have that final bridal shoe at the end of their experience is always the best part of my day.
Q: Tote bag or clutch?
A: I’d have to go with a clutch. We have about three different ways that you can wear a clutch at Jimmy Choo, so it makes it such a versatile choice.
Q: Best sellers in store?
A: Definitely from our Icon Collection, our Azia is such an amazing choice. We have so many different beautiful colors and fabrics of the Azia, she’s definitely our number one seller. This season she has an update…the Azie 85 in a gorgeous block heel and a little shorter, so she’s great for everybody.
Q: Go-to coffee order before work?
A: I’m a tea girl, so I’m gonna go matcha latte, almond milk, two pumps vanilla.
Hi I’m Shengnan. I’m a Department Manager for Prada. I’ve been with Americana for over 11 years.
Q: Growing up, what was your dream job?
A: Honestly I didn't have one. My parents wanted me to be a News Reporter. When I grew up I wanted to be an Engineer. Now I want to be whatever can benefit most people.
Q: What is your favorite styling tip/fashion hack?
A: Less is more! Take one thing less before you go out of the house.
Q: Styling trends to look out for this Spring?
A: Vintage chic
Q: If you could have lunch with one fashion icon, who would it be?
A: Ms. Prada of course!
Q: Best part about your position and working at Americana?
A: There’s a lot of diversity here. I’ve learned so many things from the company, but more than anything I get to help my team everyday.
Q: Tote bag or clutch?
A: I actually prefer a big, huge oversized clutch without handles.
Q: Best sellers in store?
A: The belt bag, so far this is the best seller for the store.
Q: Go-to coffee order before work?
A: I usually drink green tea in the morning.
My name is Vesna Milivock. I am the Store Director at Kiton. I've been here just shy of 4 months, but I’ve been in the center for almost 28 years.
Q: Growing up, what was your dream job?
A: This is such an easy question. It was always to be in fashion. Something related to fashion. Not quite sure what, but for sure it was fashion.
Q: What is your favorite styling tip/fashion hack?
A: Definitely to always add accessories. To me, an outfit is not complete unless you’ve added accessories. My favorite (everyone will know this) is scarves. I have multiple, I can open up a store with the amount of scarves I have. Jewelry, handbags… I just feel like that just polishes the whole outfit off.
Q: If you could have lunch with one fashion icon, who would it be?
A: Alexander McQueen. What I really admire about Alexander McQueen, is his ability to really be who he was and take risks and chances with his designs.
Q: Best part about your position and working at Americana?
A: I am really fortunate to have come into a family owned business, that is three generations. This position has given me a lot of autonomy and independence. I am able to be really creative in my efforts to grow this business. Also, I’m able to travel to Italy which is a huge perk. At some point I’ll be able to go to the factories in Naples, which is where the brand originated from and all of the fabrics are made.
Q: Tote bag or clutch?
A: Great question! I like both bags, it depends on what the end use is going to be. I think a tote bag is fantastic if I'm traveling. While a clutch is super elegant and chic and really beautiful to wear for when I have an event. So I think both bags are great….as are many other styles.
Q: Best sellers in store?
A: I’m gonna focus on ladies..I have to say in the short period of time that I’ve been with Kiton, blazers have been best sellers. I’ve received a lot of comments from clients that they’ve been looking for a really good luxury blazer and they’re loving our options.
Q: Go-to coffee order before work?
A: That’s easy. A Starbucks Venti Cappuccino with Oat Milk.
