December 12, 2017 | People
Get to know Cameron Smith, the new vice president of ByGeorge.
Nothing gets you more excited for winter fashion than perusing the selections at ByGeorge’s agship boutique with Cameron Smith, who was tapped earlier this year by owner Larry McGuire and McGuire Moorman Hospitality to be vice president. As the holiday season approaches, Austin Way talks to Smith, whose enthusiastic knowledge for the industry is unmatched.
You came to Austin from New York, where you moved after college. Describe your evolution there.
My rst job in the city was working as an assistant to Robert Duy, a legend in the industry and co-founder of Marc Jacobs. I learned so much from him, and he’s still a dear friend. From there, I had a few other gigs within the company on the retail side of things before getting involved on the wholesale end with eory and then Acne Studios, where I helped build their major presence in the North American market by developing partnerships with the best stores in the world, like ByGeorge.
And that partnership is what led you to ByGeorge?
Larry McGuire and I have been friends for a few years now, dating back to my time at Acne Studios. I’ve always had an anity for the city, its hospitality and the culture, and we connected immediately—not a lot of [friends] will nd a sports bar to watch football with you in Paris during fashion week! I have, of course, been impressed with the success of MMH, but it was a natural and organic move that made sense for both sides—an opportunity to continue to work in this industry at a store like ByGeorge, in a city like Austin.
ByGeorge, which was founded by Katy and Matt Culmo in 1979, has been the leading high-end fashion boutique for decades. What’s the vision for the future?
Matt and Katy built such an amazing and successful business and laid the foundation. We always need to cater to our core customer, but we also need to constantly keep looking forward and evolving with the industry and our clients, pushing the boundaries in a way that we know will resonate. We are bringing an international assortment of the best brands in the world, but with an Austin edit.
What trends are you excited to see for winter?
Comfy velvet, chic trenches and lots of red!
What would you recommend for the shopper looking for a last-minute gift?
We have a world-class apothecary assortment and just added our favorite cult Swedish brand, Byredo. eir scented Tree House Candle ($80) is a sta favorite and perfect for holiday gifting.
What has been one of your favorite Austin finds?
Ironically enough, considering I grew up around Detroit, Via 313 Pizzeria’s Detroit-style pizza has been a revelation. And this is from someone who lived in NYC for six years. It’s hands down the best pie. ByGeorge, 524 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 103, 512.472.5951; 1400 S. Congress Ave., 512.441.8600, bygeorgeaustin.com
