Hung Up on Style
HUNG: Virtual Closet & Styling App
It was 1998. I was at UMass studying classical percussion but longing to focus on vocal performance at the Berklee College of Music. Making that happen would require a move to Boston and a job, so I found myself following a long-time secret passion for fashion right into the executive offices of Saks Fifth Avenue. Working in the shoe department turned out to be a blessing for a young woman with little experience, and my journey into the world of luxury fashion began.
As my studies came to an end, I realized that I had stumbled into my dream career in high-end retail. I moved to New York City and embarked on my journey as a designer salesperson on the second floor of Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store. Surrounded by designers such as Giorgio Armani, Brunello Cucinelli, and Etro, I was in heaven. Meeting their amazing seamstresses gave me an appreciation for the art of fit. Then, In 2004, I was presented with a professional opportunity to further my career by becoming a Gucci specialist/business manager or a personal stylist. Realizing that brands fluctuate and change their creative direction frequently, I knew I needed many brands and diversity of styles and price points to truly satisfy my clientele. I chose to become a personal stylist.
Myths be damned… Not every luxury style task is attached to a huge price tag. One of my very first (and eventually best) personal styling clients approached me with a $500 budget for an event dress. That challenge was the start of my shift in philosophy; I considered what each individual needed and adapted to any budget. My early experiences of personalized service led me to become a top personal stylist at Saks and Bergdorf Goodman, where I worked with a diverse range of men and women. I traveled to Europe often to view designers’ collections, and my trips allowed me to buy for top Chanel clients and to advise the Saks and Bergdorf’s buying teams. Relationships and relevance are the cornerstones of my styling practice. Many of my clients have been with me for decades, and I have loved deepening my understanding of who my clients are and what they need.
As an artist in the world of luxury fashion, I love the beauty, creativity, fun, and power of self-expression. I believe in care, quality and diligent workmanship. I find the fashion market fascinating. With my upcoming app, HUNG, and the accompanying curated pop-up shopping experience, The Hang, I have found a way to offer a new, luxury shopping experience that truly celebrates the individual shopper. I hesitate to call the experience I offer “exclusive,” as it is such a problematic buzzword in fashion. Exclusive says, “I can have something you can’t.” I instead encourage clients to share the things that are special, limited, unique with one another and me. As such, I would argue HUNG and The Hang are, instead, inclusive.
Prior to COVID-19, I had a vision for a new approach to luxury fashion, so I left Bergdorf Goodman to form my own company. As the world shut down and slowly reopened in a global reboot, I observed a fashion reboot as well. After spending a LOT of time with ourselves for a whole year, there’s an opportunity for us to express ourselves in a more authentic and unique way. We are ready for a whole new luxury – one that we define for ourselves.
During my own personal COVID pause, I developed something that I’d been wanting during my entire career as a stylist: a virtual closet and styling app. HUNG does many things, but to name a few:
Virtual Closet - it puts your entire closet in the palm of your hand, making it easy for you to see, organize, edit or add pieces. If you work with a stylist or salesperson, they can view your closet to help you shop, dress for an event, pack for a trip, assist with an alteration, or make a decision about a purchase or return.
Stylist Network - talented stylists, salespeople and tailors can be tricky to find. HUNG makes that easy, too. Customers fill out one form and submit it to HUNG. Profiles of Fashion Industry Experts who fit the customer’s needs will be automatically available to the customer via HUNG. HUNG offers stylists, salespeople and other Fashion Industry Experts the ability to connect with each other, to increase their knowledge base, expand their businesses and improve their level of service to clients.
Cutting Edge Fashion Direction from established and emerging luxury designers around the globe.
Special Events for the HUNG Community - in person and online, including access to “The Hang,” a unique shopping experience featuring a curated assortment of primarily female designed, ethical, sustainable and archival collections.
I’m excited to launch HUNG during Fashion Week of 2021! HUNG puts the whole world of fashion in the palm of your hands. I can’t wait for you to see how HUNG and The Hang will change your life for the better!
Experience HUNG September 8 – 12, 2021 at the following location:
Jill Lindsey @Rockefeller Center, 70 West 50th Street, New York, NY 10112