Grand Opening: The Fisher Project

Fisher Project 1

I don’t get out much in the evening, but when I was invited to attend the Grand Opening of The Fisher Project store on Robertson Blvd. in Los Angeles, I wasn’t about to miss it. Those of you who have read this blog for any amount of time may have deduced that I have an affinity for Eileen Fisher clothing (not all of it, but more than just about any other line it suits my body, life and aesthetic). The Fisher Project is a subset that’s a bit edgier, and (I believe) intended to attract a younger customer. Still, most everything in the line is ageless, if the aesthetic suits your style.

Fisher Project 3

The party was well underway by the time I arrived. The DJ played a great mix of music. (All pictures taken with my iPhone, and lighting was not optimal.)

Individual bottle of champagne

There were canapés, mini bottles of champagne served with a straw, bubbly water and some lemonade drink I didn’t try.

Fisher Project 4

Can’t argue with this.

Fisher Project 12
The fabric on this top is what makes it special. It’s substantial enough to give the shape some structure. Gorgeous texture too.

Fisher Project 13

For those who have asked about the range of clothing vs. what’s online, what was stocked in this store seemed to be the items featured online within The Fisher Project, plus many of the basic pieces from the main collection. There were a few items that I don’t think are online yet, like that olive jacket you see to the left of the mannequin above, or the short cardigan on the mannequin itself. Some of the items I spotted were from the September Seasonal Planner, not yet available online at the EF website but may be soon.

Fisher Project 6

Fisher Project 16

Fisher Project 7

The layout of the store is not unlike any other Eileen Fisher store, mindfully arranged with lots of space and uncrowded racks, though a bit more spare, unfinished and industrial. There’s some greenery too, and I was utterly entranced by this arrangement of potted succulents.

Fisher Project 14

Fisher Project 15

They had the full collection of shoes, which they were giving away to one lucky attendee. A portion of proceeds from the evening were being donated to Step Up Women’s Network.

Many of the attendees were quite stylish…

Fisher Project 5

This woman was in an off-the-shoulder top and the EF harem pants and looked AMAZING.

Fisher Project 9

This fellow was much more interested in the hors d’oeuvres being passed by the waitstaff than the clothing.

Fisher Project 8

The clothing is almost all neutrals, but it’s the textures (and mixing of textures within an outfit) that provides the visual interest. If I were more of a clutch carrier, I would have been sorely tempted by this one above. It’s a beauty!

Fisher Project 11

But this gorgeous linen infinity scarf with a bit of sparkle was more temptation than I could walk away from, and came home with me.

Fisher Project 10
That waiter was Johnny-on-the-spot with coasters. Anytime anyone would set down a glass or bottle, he’d swoop in nanoseconds later to place a napkin underneath.

The place filled up quickly. All of the store associates were wearing pieces available in the store, and it’s always great to see how they look on real, three-dimensional bodies of all shapes. Unfortunately, they don’t stock Plus or Petites sizes in this store, but can order them for you if they are available.

You can see me strolling with my shopping bag in one of the photos here. 🙂

Next week I’ll show you some of my picks from the Eileen Fisher fall collection so far.

Have you started looking at fall collections yet? Anything that’s piqued your interest?

Bon weekend!

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19 Comments

  1. I can’t argue with any of these clean-lined, well-made clothes. Looks like big fun, and I adore the little dog sniffing out treats. xox

  2. I just love these designs and neutral colors. The scarf you chose will keep you company for years no doubt. Looks like a fun evening and a good break from the routine of staying in in the evenings. I too spend a lot of evenings resting at home. But getting out can be rejuvenating.

  3. I am in Santa Fe NM at the moment and went by the Eileen Fisher store here yesterday. The sales associate told me that The Fisher Project’s definite goal is to attract a younger customer. The Santa Fe store had The Fisher Project garments mixed in among their standard collection. I didn’t try anything on as I just dropped in for a moment during a day of vacationing in Santa Fe. I’ll be checking out our Dallas EF store in the coming weeks. A couple of weeks ago I punched the “slouchy pants” in jersey and do love them. In fact, I may be wearing them in Taos today! Love your scarf–and thank you for the grand opening report. I hope Dallas gets a Fisher Project store

  4. So fun to see you in the Racked photo! You look great in motion. And yes, I see the new emphasis on texture here very clearly, and I like it. A little more Artsy, and all to the good IMO.

  5. Thanks for the report! I LOVE EF too. I spied a neutral looking cardigan (long) that I’ve not seen online yet; hope it is soon! I am a fan of that scarf you purchased and have been thinking about it myself. How lightweight is it; can you wear it in warmer weather? I know that’s always a subjective call. I saw it had a touch of wool, but sometimes in some blends that doesn’t feel heavy at all.

  6. The first few clothing photos gave me a JJill feel, then more of them gave me a better sense of the EF style and new direction. Just recently I researched the origins of Indian cotton (from my own curiosity) and I was quickly educated about the issues of the dyeing process and its problematic disposal (basically nobody knows what to do with the leftover sludge). I then went to the EF website and read all that was available and learned of their conscientious approach to every part of their company. I have not been excitedly drawn to her style before, though I have bought a few pieces that I love (and I hope that doesn’t make me sound bipolar 🙂 ). She has shot to the front of the line with her approach to clothing and the environment. I now feel an affinity for the natural colors and softer hues with a real sense of a lower environmental impact. I just wish the sustainability features of the EF concepts didn’t have to translate to high ticket prices which is why many of us go to discount stores for the bargains (in a financial sense). But maybe, in the long run, the goal is fewer pieces of quality in our closets than copious amounts of disposable wear. It has really got me thinking! Are are the price tags of this new line similar to the original line? It looked like a very enjoyable event. Thank you for sharing!

  7. I just ordered the same sparkle infinity scarf in natural. Those sandy neutral tones are a favorite of mine in deep winter (I live in Chicago). They remind me of warmer days. I also love the cardigan and will have to wait and see. Neiman Marcus showed the month by month “playbook” of how E.F. pieces will be introduced. I have my sales associate (actually she is more of an unofficial personal shopper) on the look out for a few items I picked out for the upcoming season. Life you, I am crazy about Eileen Fisher.

    I also loved the picture of the woman in the harem pants. I became a fan after I saw them on you and traipsed all over Paris in them garnishing many compliments. They pack easy and are so comfortable. It is in how you wear them and what you wear them with and the lady in your picture knows all about that–she rocked them!

    Thanks for sharing. I will ask about that linen like top you mentioned.

  8. Oh Susan that was fun! I like the look of the store — clothing and decoration — and I must thank you for introducing me to Eileen Fisher. Being Australian I was not familiar with her until I started reading your blog, I’ve now bought three pieces which I love.

  9. Di you read the New Yorker article about Eileen Fisher (some time around October 2013)? It was very illuminating if you are a fan of the clothing. I love the increased interst in texture and shapee that the whole line is taking.
    Accorning to the article, store employees are GIVEN one EF item a month, and are expected to wear the clothes at work. I decided that I could also “give” myself one item a month, although I try hard to find it on sale, and I sometimes substitute an EF-like item from another line instead. After almost a year of this, I have developed something of a capsule collection of my own that works well for a part of my life.

  10. Great article, and I love the scarf. All your wardrobe refining has really paid off. I am jealous that I don’t have one of these stores near me! You keep looking more and more fabulous every day!

  11. So exciting you were able to attend…I would love to have been there. I will check this out online…the one top you showed with the denim looks like something I would really like. You fit right in with the stylish group and I agree that enjoying and supporting the wonderful styles and decisions Eileen Fisher makes is a very good way to go!

  12. I really like EF clothing as of late, but it drives me nuts that the plus collection is about 15% of what is available for straight sizes. And, it’s not sold in stores.

  13. I have never worn or tried anything by Eileen Fisher, but these photos are definitely enticing. Since I live in LA, I do think I’ll make a trip over to the store. I love the short cardigan over that long top, and the textures are beautiful in lots of the clothing. Love the scarf on you, and glad you brought it home!

  14. My local shopping centre is York UK & one of our stores has started to stock a small selection of EF . It’s the first I’ve seen over here but I did buy a few pieces on US holidays & the quality seems very good . It is a very small rail , as yet , but I’m hoping for more & am a little envious of your choice .

  15. Thank you for sharing.
    I thought that I liked Eileen Fisher clothes (I certainly admire the woman), but I didn’t see one thing I’d buy.
    Doesn’t she make anything pretty?

    1. Sweet Sue, I guess “pretty” is subjective. 😉 I thought a lot of it was pretty, but then I’m drawn to simple styles and natural textures.