With their illustrious backgrounds, Jean-Manuel and Peter already had a built-in customer base before their store even opened. But, it would take a lot of work to open a store in eight weeks. With the lease signed, Jean-Manuel packed up and headed to Brazil to shop while Peter started the renovations. Although the space was previously used as a clothing store, it was extremely busy and had many fixtures. Peter sought to simplify, transforming the store into a welcoming white space. He even used the same wood from the boardwalk to create the shelves in the store. The end result is truly fantastic.

"We put our combined knowledge and, I hate saying this, but our 'passion for fashion' and put it into 200 square feet," Peter reveals, "which is the size of a VIP dressing room at some stores."

In spite of the size, the store thrived. The opening was such a success that Jean-Manuel quickly returned to Brazil to purchase more goods. The recession is all but forgotten. "In 2009, stores were cutting, designers were struggling, but we got tired of struggling," Jean-Manuel says. It seems that their clients did too.

Although there are not markdowns or sales in the boutique, the prices are far from unreasonable and the clients are willing to pay. "There is no way you could get a ticket to Brazil and get everything back without duties," Peter says. "We are not going on sale."