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Crave: Local business styles Michael Kors boutiques worldwide
January 02, 2012 1:59 PM
Thanks to Western Services, a local furniture restoration and custom manufacturing company, Colorado Springs has a unique connection to American fashion icon Michael Kors. They actually make all of the benches and rugs for Michael Kors’ signature boutiques worldwide. Their rich cream and mocha zebra patterned benches and rugs can be seen from Denver to Dubai. “He’s been using these pieces in his store for about five years,” said Tony Wells, president of Western Services. They have also done work for Guess, Ralph Lauren, Oscar de la Renta and Judith Leiber.
The business has been around for 52 years. Wells father Leo partnered into the business in the mid 1960s and took it over in the 1970s. They specialize in creating custom booths, display benches and retail fixture components for a wide range of commercial outlets from retail stores to churches. They also restore residential pieces with reupholstering, refinishing and structural repair.
Wells said the relationship with Michael Kors' company began in 2004, when he was asked to custom build 1,800 orange leather benches for boutiques nationwide. Since then, the relationship and the orders for furniture have grown.
“Michael Kors has really expanded his brand, which is a good barometer of people getting back into buying high end items,” said Wells.
Michael Kors is known for his modern takes on classic American apparel, shoes and accessories. He is also a judge on reality show “Project Runway.”
Each bench, which is used as seating for trying on shoes or in dressing rooms, takes about a day to make. They are actually white cowhide that Western Services stencils the rich brown zebra pattern onto, said Denise Wells McMillon, Tony’s sister and general manager.
The chrome bases of the benches come from another company. The final pieces blend perfectly with the modern, chic style for which Kors is known. As general wear and tear occurs, Western Services also reupholsters the boutique pieces. Wells said he is extremely prideful when they visit stores and see their products.
“It’s great to have a product that is all over the world.”
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2012-01-02 13:59:29
