Thanks to Kristen Oliveri of
PAM!! Here is the Q & A:
Doug Greenberg of Garde Robe talks clothing preservation
Q: Why was Garde Robe founded?
A: Garde Robe was founded to address the fashion collector’s dire need for white-glove wardrobe storage, preservation and management services. There is no shortage of high-end art, wine and jewelry storage companies out there, but Garde Robe is the only service dedicated exclusively to caring for garments, textiles, footwear, furs and accessories. Unfortunately, many collectors are not knowledgeable about textile preservation and/or fail to treat their wardrobe as an asset worth protecting. And let’s face it, no matter how big your walk-in closet is, at a certain point every fashion devotee’s collections are going to outgrow the available space and/or become unmanageable. Garde Robe provides elegant solutions for its niche clientele.
Q: Why can fashion be considered art preservation?
A: Just look at how many fashion galleries there are at museums these days; the Metropolitan Museum of Art, for example. Its Alexander McQueen exhibit was all the rage. Like painting or sculpture, fashion is about artistic expression; and there is a historical component as well. And savvy collectors will find their pieces significantly increasing in value over time, assuming the textiles are preserved properly.
Q: What would you say is the first step in preserving an ultra-high-net-worth individual’s wardrobe?
A: Garde Robe always begins with a detailed inspection to determine if the garment is in suitable condition to be preserved long-term. Textiles must be clean and sterilized in order to be stored for any significant length of time. But the most important factor is keeping these items in a suitable location with the proper climate and using museum-quality archival tissue, garment bags and boxes that allow the fabrics to breathe. Storing these delicate items in a second home, attic or basement where temperature and humidity levels fluctuate will cause serious and often irreversible damage to the fabrics.
Q: What services does Garde Robe provide?
A: Engaging Garde Robe is akin to employing a tech-savvy valet to inventory and protect your irreplaceable garments. Garde Robe’s services include museum-quality archiving and preservation of evening wear, vintage and couture collections; seasonal storage for off-season clothing, footwear and accessories with white-glove pick up and ready-to-wear delivery upon request; luggage-free valet service allows members to travel the world or from one residence to another without having to pack or bring suitcases; 24/7 visual access to collections via a private Cyber Closet website featuring professional photography; wardrobe management software ideal for insurance purposes and featuring Virtual Stylist outfit tool; and expert garment care and valet services.
Q: What are your future plans for the firm?
A: Garde Robe is expanding to wealth centers all over the globe including London, Paris, Dubai, Hong Kong and West Palm Beach. Originally conceived for New York City residents with diminutive closet space, Garde Robe is now utilized by fashion insiders and companies the world over and has locations in New York, Tokyo, Las Vegas, and Southern California.
