Pulse HIS STYLE
CONNECTION THROUGH CLOTHING Meet Peter Harden, Scottsdale Fashion Square’s irreplaceable gem
BY EMILY GLYNN / PHOTO BY CLAUDIA JOHNSTONE
“In my role, menswear must be presented at an impeccable level,” says Peter Harden, Scottsdale Fashion Square’s roving concierge (a position created solely for him). Since his early days as a mall security guard (and the owner of a single pair of tattered sneakers), the man has evolved into a flawlessly clothed style connoisseur, fulfilling shoppers’ needs and aiming to exceed all levels of expectation. Harden is now one of the most conscientiously dressed individuals to grace the mall’s marble hallways. On any given day, Harden roves the property in a crisp dress shirt and pants, wingtip shoes from Johnston & Murphy, and a designer tie, selected by his daughter. Weekends call for head-to-toe Polo Ralph Lauren, aside from his belt, which is unfailingly Gucci. Harden’s incentive for keeping such an exemplary wardrobe and appearance has little to do with vanity. He views personal style as an avenue of human connection, one capable of generating veritable happiness. “Each morning, I ask to touch at least one person’s life and to make one person’s day extraordinarily special,” he says. Smiles and kind words never fail. Salvatore Ferragamo and Hugo Boss just happen to make the job a little easier.
What might we be surprised to find in your closet? A six-foot-six-inch mannequin man, fully dressed in jeans, a camo coat, tennis shoes, sunglasses, and other accessories. That’s the current look – I change it regularly. Which pieces do you find yourself wearing again and again? Ties and belts are my weaknesses. I love accessories that you can wear with so many different things. Can you let us in on any of the mall’s best-kept secrets? Scottsdale Fashion Square employees are some of the sweetest people I’ve ever met in my life. We’re all here to make our shoppers’ experience unreal!
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So Scottsdale! October '17