The CultureMap Interview

Fashion wunderkind John Piermarini talks exclusivity and classic with a twist

Only 21, John Piermarini recently moved his shop to bigger digs in Snider Plaza.
Photo by Rachael Abrams
Piermarini carries only one size of each style. "I like the exclusivity of it,"he says.
Photo courtesy of Piermarini
Piermarini says the store stocks good, quality pieces with longevity.
Photo courtesy of Piermarini

John Piermarini is not your ordinary 21-year-old guy. He went to Westwood Montessori and Greenhill. He comes from an Italian family — and always offers treats when guests arrive — so he's naturally sweet.

But we're most impressed with Piermarini's success in the fashion industry at such a young age. He's celebrating the second anniversary of his store, Piermarini, which has new digs in Snider Plaza. We chatted with him to see how he worked his way to the top.

CultureMap: When did you decide you wanted to work in the fashion industry?

John Piermarini: I was in high school when taught myself how to sew. I was 15, and I made a wedding dress for the daughter of one of my teachers. I worked with Abi Ferrin and learned all aspects of the industry — from fabric design to resourcing. That's when I decided that I wanted to work on the customer side. I figured that if I want to continue designing later, I will.

"I decided to forgo college," Piermarini says. "This is my education, which is a very Montessori thing to do."

CM: What about college?

JP: When I sat down with my mom to look at colleges, I didn't find one that fit me. So I decided to forgo college. This is my education, which is a very Montessori thing to do.

CM: So when did you decide to open up a store?

JP: During my senior year, I decided to open up a boutique. And the November after graduation, we opened the store Uptown, in a little house. We moved to Snider Plaza this August. I love the central location, exposed brick and the perfect size.

CM: What's the inspiration behind your store?

JP: I wanted it to be the kind of store I'd want to shop in. I'll go to New York City and shop 'til I drop, so I wanted it to be a store where I can buy in bulk.

Really, though, I wanted it to be an old-time boutique concept — with good, quality clothing and pieces that will last a long time. I know all of the designers, vendors and most of the customers personally. I buy all of the clothing we carry, and I open all of the boxes when shipments arrive. I call it classic with a twist, and I love the idea of that.

CM: Why do you carry one size of each style?

JP: I like the exclusivity of it. When someone wears a piece from Piermarini, he or she knows no one else will have it — more than likely. And it's not super expensive: Nothing we carry is more than $500.

CM: Where do you find the labels you carry?

"When someone wears a piece from Piermarini, he or she knows no one else will have it — more than likely," Piermarini says. "And it's not super expensive."

JP: A lot of scouting is involved. I find designers — from all over the world — who aren't in every department store. Some of the names we have carried in the past were picked up by Neiman Marcus, so I let them go. I love the idea that they start off here and branch out. Certain labels we'll always carry, but I'm constantly looking for new designs.

CM: What's it like working with your mother?

JP: I call her my "momager." When I knew I was going to open up a store, I wanted her to be my business partner. We work extremely well together. I am very blessed.

CM: What can customers look forward to at Piermarini?

JP: In the spring, we will have dresses for days and women's shoes.

CM: What should every man and woman have in their wardrobes?

JP: I'd say for men — a neutral sweater, perfect black tee and a blazer. And for women — a black dress (with a twist) and the great sweater. But, overall, you need to be you.

You've just got to go with what works for your needs. That's why we don't carry trends like purple plants, if that's what is 'in.' Customers should be able to find a piece that is just right for them.

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Fashion on display

Rare Halston fashion exhibition now on display in unlikely Texas city

Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen Noël Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

A rare exhibition honoring fashion pioneer Halston has popped up in an unexpected place: West Texas. Dallas fashionistas who are fans of the designer can make a five-hour pilgrimage to Odessa’s newly revamped Ellen Noël Art Museum to view "Halston: Inventing American Fashion."

Halston’s minimalistic fashions are rarely the subjects of retrospectives, although the designer’s dramatic life story recently had a pop-cultural resurgence through a 2021 Ryan Murphy miniseries. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" assesses the talent that made him a household name.

Known now for outfitting 1970s icons like Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston changed the international reputation of American sportswear as part of the famous 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, holding his own against Paris’ most lauded couturiers. His uniquely louche style still influences contemporary brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tom Ford, who was briefly the creative director for a revised Halston label.

The mannequins in the Odessa display are outfitted with 75 ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to more dramatic draped gowns. The pieces “illustrate how Halston revolutionized fashion by prioritizing comfort, confidence, and modern femininity,” according to a release.

Although Odessa may seem an odd choice for the show, Halston had deep Texas connections. After he moved on from hat making, Amarillo millionaire Estelle Marsh was his sole backer willing to fund his first Madison Avenue boutique.

$Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum, Odessa, new facade.$ The new facade at Ellen Noël Art MuseumPhoto courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

And the recently completed renovation of Odessa's Ellen Noël Art Museum has some of the designer’s signature sleek. Designed by architect R.J. Lopez, the renovation includes new galleries and improved circulation, but the centerpiece is a striking transparent façade, replacing the original brick of the 1985 building.

“The renovation project has been over 10 years in the making and in the construction phase for the past two years,” says the museum’s buildings manager, Steve Patton, via a release. “The completion of the project has resulted in an incredible facility that is a shining star in West Texas, offering programs and exhibits that will be a destination point for people all over the world!”

"Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22. Admission to the Ellen Noël Art Museum is free.

exhibits odessa fashion west texas museums designer texas