Austin Way Magazine - GreenGale Publishing - There is a place beyond the crowds, beyond the ropes, where dreams are realized and success is celebrated. You are invited.
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/367813
Cathy Horyn wrote about the store for The New York Times in 2008, and the honor she felt when a shopper proposed to his girlfriend in a By George dressing room. Her greatest joys have come from her customers and employees, some of whom have worked for her for 20 years. She especially loves the stories of loyal By George fans who still wear and treasure a sweater they bought from the Guadalupe store decades ago. As the retail business changes, with tech-savvy shoppers wanting to know what is available before they even walk into the store, Katy often feels nos- talgic for the old days. "By George has always been experiential. The relationships you build with customers who come in the store are intimate. I love to see women's faces light up when they walk into the store. I love being able to give them special attention and to see them walk out happier than when they came in," Katy says. The new management agreement with McGuire Moorman Hospitality means MMH will manage the new e-commerce site and help reimagine the South Congress store, with Matt and Katy's direc- tion, by adding men's lines to the pieces for women as well as gifts and lifestyle products. The new arrangement feels like a full-circle moment for Katy. "Larry [McGuire] and his part- ners started their business when they were in their mid-20s, which is when I bought By George," she says. "It's a really exciting transition that creates this hopefulness for By George really living on, because let's face it—how will I get through the Metro in Paris on my walker?" she says with her sig- nature laugh. "I never imagined what By George would become, and I am really proud. In my heart, I am still just that girl with a little store in the Dobie Mall!" 524 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 103, 512-472- 5951; bygeorgeaustin.com AW AUSTIN LOVE In addition to carrying renowned global brands, By George keeps it local by representing collections from these Austin designers… CAMBRIA HANDMADE: Cambria Harkey is an award-winning photographer, but we think she found her true calling when she launched her line of bags and accessories. Made from deerskin, bison, and cowhide leather, Harkey bags are fashion-meets-function at its best. (See page 46 for more on Cambria Handmade.) cambriahandmade.com MARGOT WOLF: Jewelry designer Margot Wolf uses metalsmith techniques in her line of sterling silver, bronze, and 14k gold pieces, which are inspired by nature and geometry. margotwolf.com NAK ARMSTRONG: By George is the first and only retailer to carry the much-anticipated collection from CFDA award-winning jewelry designer Nak Armstrong. His designs suspend stones in metal frames, allowing him to create multilayered statement pieces that are lightweight. nakarmstrong.com SBJ AUSTIN: Founded by longtime By George employee Mallary Carroll, the easy-to-wear collection of vibrant prints and patterns puts a fun twist on timeless looks. sbjaustin.com STOWE PROVISIONS: Started by two childhood friends, Mark Stowe and Mark Howard, Stowe Provisions' line of classic Americana-style leather belts and goods are cut, dyed, and painted by hand. stoweprovisions.com clockwise from left: The interior of By George; Katy and Matt checking out new merchandise; clothing and accessories on display at By George. "BY GEORGE HAS ALWAYS BEEN EXPERIENTIAL. THE RELATIONSHIPS YOU BUILD WITH CUSTOMERS ARE INTIMATE. I LOVE SEEING THEM WALK OUT HAPPIER THAN WHEN THEY CAME IN."—KATY CULMO AUSTINWAY.COM 43