Alexandra Dillard
by Lauren Henry
treat them as such. To us, they were so much more than athletes. It was an incredibly wonderful time, and I think fondly of the memories made in this region. When my sisters and I went to college and then started working full time, it became difficult to maintain our horse lives and we couldn’t spend time with them as much as we would like. Our amazing friends introduced us to a haven for retired horses in the Bluegrass where our family horses are cared for and loved to this day. Unfortunately, my horse passed away shortly after the last Kentucky Derby and I was devastated; he was a best friend and I loved him dearly. I was able to say goodbye one last time before he was buried and as heartbreaking of an experience as it was, I look forward to when we have kids and they get to show their ponies here, because this region has such a special place in our hearts. Lexington is the most beautiful place and I’m not just saying that because this is a Lexington based magazine-it is just a dream world! The rolling hills speckled with horses provide a gorgeous setting and it’s a truly unique feeling being here.
Alexandra shares, “For our company as a whole, we strive to differentiate Dillard’s from the competition by ensuring we provide our clients with exciting and amazing products at a great value, outstanding customer service, and elevated, exclusive offerings that can only be found in our stores.” To that end, fall 2013 marks the complete revamping of the Lexington store and a transformation into a shopping haven inspired by high city style. “We are very excited about the renovations here as we think they are going to be huge for our customers,” Alexandra enthuses. “We cannot wait for them to experience this revamping!” Indeed, walking into the interior at Dillard’s, clients are in for a treat with even more delightful selections in their exclusive brands collections than ever before, all displayed beautifully. During a busy weekday at market in LA, Alexandra Dillard was gracious enough to dish on her connection to the Bluegrass, what’s trending this holiday season and much more.
TOPS: Did you always know you wanted to work in your family’s business?
unparalleled sense of work ethic and passion that is unmatched in the industry today. William T. Dillard founded the company and created a tremendous legacy of retailing success fulfilled by several members of his family. One of which, is his brilliant granddaughter, Alexandra, the Corporate Merchandise Manager for the company. Alexandra explains, “My mother was a buyer for Neiman Marcus when she met my dad and my twin sister (Annemarie, who is the Director of Contemporary Sportswear,) and I always knew this was what we wanted to do after college. The pride of the heritage and the passion we share for our business is really special.” It is this passion that continues to drive progress forward at Dillard’s as they bring their customers an exceptional line of exclusive brands including Antonio Melani, Gianni Bini, G.B., and Cremieux just to name a few.
TOPS: Can you tell us about your family ties to the Bluegrass? ALEXANDRA: My two sisters and I grew up showing horses at the Lexington Horse Park. Our horses were always sort of our children. We’d buy a horse and it would become a part of the family, so we would
TOPS IN EQUINE
Dillard’s at Fayette Mall is Lexington’s premiere fashion destination and for good reason: the family behind the store has an
ALEXANDRA: Yes absolutely. It has been great to work with family members who are a part of this business and it’s something that so many people don’t get to experience. For that, we feel deeply grateful and fortunate. TOPS: Is there anything in particular that sets the Dillard’s in Lexington apart from the chain as a whole? ALEXANDRA: Clearly we focus a little more on the equestrian vibe here and we definitely cater to this style. We are thrilled to be launching Belle Badgley Mischka in time for the holiday season at Fayette Mall. Mark Badgley and James Mischka have quite a strong history in Lexington. They owned a farm here for many years and they are both avid equestrians. They’ve also hosted several events within our store to help women dress for the Derby in their stunning collection of Derby hats. And, for the first time, they’ll be able to show off their new and exciting dress collection, which is full of perfect Derby dresses! We have exciting plans for Derby of 2014 to focus on promoting this amazing new collection with Mark and James themselves, so you definitely need
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