Grayse-ful Beginnings on El Paseo

Mother-daughter combo return to shopping mecca that has shaped their fashion history

Michelle Roe Arts & Entertainment

 

A new era begins on El Paseo in Palm Desert for the mother-daughter design duo of Marie and Kelly Gray, who return to the rue that has been a huge part of their fashion careers.   

Marie, with her late husband, Robert, was the co-founder and creative force behind St. John, one of the most prestigious companies in the U.S. The luxury brand’s classic knit designs became world renowned, and locally the St. John’s flagship retail salon opened in 1988 on El Paseo.

By the time their daughter, Kelly, turned 20, she had become the face of St. John and went on to grow the $100 million dollar business into a $400 million dollar empire.

Almost a decade after their departure from St. John, these industry innovators and insiders came together to collaborate on their contemporary fashion collection, Grayse (pronounced “grace”).

photo courtesy of grayse

Grayse produces its clothing line out of its Irvine, Calif., headquarters.

 

Grayse-ful Apparel

The collection combines Marie’s refined classic designs with Kelly’s edgy modern style to create high quality separates that tastefully dress the sophisticated woman. While fabrics are sourced from all over the world, the clothing line is produced at their Irvine, Calif., headquarters.

 

Grayse-ful Grand Entrance

Marie and Kelly Grayse are expected to attend the Nov. 13 store opening. According to the new boutique’s General Manager, Susan Stauber, “We brought in the previous architect St. John, Bryan Price, to collaborate with Kelly on the store’s design. It’s light and beautiful, tranquil and very feminine. We want to help our guests feel beautiful in our clothing, and we want to establish a relationship with our customers to create a warm, pampering experience with a personal touch.”

photo courtesy of grayse

Grayse will conduct a runway show Nov. 16 at the Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa in Rancho Mirage.

 

Grayse-ious Events

Nov. 14
Grayse will premier samples from its holiday and resort collection at Wally’s Desert Turtle in Rancho Mirage at their luncheon fashion show. Informal table modeling takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a champagne reception following at the boutique starting at 3 p.m.

Nov. 15
Marie and Kelly Grayse host a trunk show from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the boutique with informal modeling and private wardrobe appointments.

Nov. 16
Grayse takes the runway for “The Desert Women’s Show” at Agua Caliente Casino Resort Spa’s “The Show Theatre”. The luncheon and runway fashion show will feature holiday, resort, and fall collections.

Grayse, 73130 El Paseo, Palm Desert, 760-773-3303, www.mkgrayse.com

 

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