In a few months the century-old Rubenstein family business will become a multi-hyphenate brand, adding hoteliers to their list of achievements. Spanning the upper floors of six buildings on the corner of Canal Street and St. Charles, The Rubensteins Hotel aims to provide travelers with a unique boutique hotel experience in the heart of downtown New Orleans. I got to chat with the family and hear more about this new venture and of course pose a few style questions.
Why did the family decide to venture into the hospitality business? And why now? Our partnership with hotel developer, The J Collection, began in 2019, but the pandemic and supply chain issues slowed the progress. That said, the delays actually worked a bit to our favor as we will also be entering our centennial anniversary in 2024. The buildings that will serve as the hotel structure formerly served as our executive offices and distribution space. As the company evolved over the years things got more efficient and the space was underutilized.
How will Rubensteins the clothing brand and Rubesteins the hotel influence each other? The J Collection will be using Rubensteins’ influences throughout the hotel. Artwork in the rooms and halls feature Rubenstein images from old ad copies and other sources. The furniture colors, textiles and patterns also nod to the clothing store’s aesthetic. The store will remain in its current location on the ground floor and a bar, nostalgically named the Madison Shop, will be added to the main floor as well. The bar’s name is a nod to the 1950’s when Rubensteins opened the Madison Shop, a young men’s shop selling new generation fashions that were popular with the younger, hipper, generation of the time. The shop remained open through the 1970s with a separate entrance on Canal Street for young males who did not want to shop at the same storied clothing store where their fathers and elders found their fashions.
What clothing items should men buy now to prepare for the holiday season? The best way to get comfortable in cooler weather is with swackets and shackets. The swacket is a jacket made of stretch knit, literally combining a sweater and a jacket. They are constructed with no lining, which adds the stretch and comfort of a sweater to the look of a jacket. The “shacket” is a shirt jacket – another hybrid garment that combines the slim wear of an everyday button down with the warmth and weatherproofing of a proper jacket. During the transitional weeks of fall, with just a hint of chill in the air, they are both great over a tee or on their own. We carry styles by Canali, Eleventy and Maurizio Baldassari in the store.
Any holiday gift recommendations? The Secrid wallet is a great choice. Made in Holland, the exterior of the wallet can hold cash, receipts, while the aluminum Cardprotector inside allows you to slide out cards easily and protects them from bending, breaking and conducting unwanted wireless communications. We also have a great selection of shoulder bags, totes and custom shirts and always encourage Rubensteins gift cards.
How can locals stay connected with and support your business? Rubensteins is a Canal Street staple, and we are here to stay. We offer so much more than the general public realizes (including free valet parking). Think of us not only for your special occasions, but for your daily lifestyle. Most men are hesitant about the shopping experience but here there is no need to “shop.” Our stylists guide you through a one-on-one style session, offering new and classic ideas and taking measurements to find your perfect fit. We also specialize in custom suiting – made to measure – from the world’s most respected and luxurious designers like Zegna, Canali and Munro as well as Johnnie-O, Faherty and Billy Reid.
Meet Penn, Shop Talk Blogger
Penn larocci is a born and raised New Orleanian.
After graduating from Tulane University she lived in NYC for nine years working in sales and marketing at an investment bank. When she missed New Orleans more than she could stand, she moved back home, met her husband and started a family. She’s now raising two rambunctious little boys and spending her free time on environmental sustainability projects.
