Elana Nathan is a fashion business executive with proven accomplishments in the fashion and beauty sectors in both wholesale and e-commerce. As CEO, President and 50 Percent Owner of Peter Som, Inc., Elana successfully strategized, built, and catapulted a brand with limited distribution into a designer brand with global, multi-channel distribution — establishing Peter Som as one of the leading American fashion designers. Under her direction, the company generated prominent publicity, opened accounts with leading retailers, including Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue, initiated and launched profitable licenses, forged marketing partnerships with Fortune 100 companies and high profile individuals including First Lady Michelle Obama, and secured prominent design consultancies and collaborations with Bill Blass, Tommy Hilfiger, Anthropologie and Kohl’s.
Elana began her career as a corporate lawyer with Paul Weiss Rifkind Wharton & Garrison LLP. Prior to Peter Som, she wrote the business plan, raised capital and launched an e-commerce site for luxury cosmetics. She has served as a guest speaker at Harvard Business School and NYU Business Law for multiple luxury group conferences. Elana is also actively involved in numerous New York City charities and resides in the city with her husband and two small children.
Occupation: CEO and Co-Owner of Peter Som, Inc
Website: https://www.petersom.com
1. What are three words that best describe you?
Committed, Versatile, and Resourceful.
2. Tell us why you’re awesome in two sentences or less.
I am a CEO, mother, and wife in New York City. I wear many hats but I feel like I have perfected my personal balancing act.
3. What are your three biggest indulgences?
An endless number of shoes, Peter Michael Wines, and SoulCycle.
4. What’s currently your favorite…
Restaurant: The Marlton Hotel and Cookshop.
Food: Kale salads.
Cocktail: Red wine in winter, Aperol in summer.
Shopping destination/store: I’m a busy CEO and mom – I shop online when my kids go to bed!
Fashion item: Peter Som leopard fur coat – I get a new one almost every season.
Place to hangout: My home in Sag Harbor is where I go to relax and entertain.
City: New York!
Travel item: An Hermes extra large carry-on Bolide bag and my iPod with good music on it.
Beauty product: Water, green tea, and massages, but NOTHING beats a good night’s sleep!
Skincare product: Homeoplasmine from a Paris pharmacy! I always stock up when I’m in Paris or have friends of mine bring it back for me when they go.
Hostess gift: A coffee table book from Rizzoli.
Home décor item: I am currently obsessed with Nason Moretti Dandy Tumblers in blue from Barney’s NY.
Book: I read a lot and I’m in a book club – it’s hard to pick one but we did recently read The Goldfinch and I loved it.
Website: I am pretty addicted to Keep It Chic for shopping and Rip + Tan for home and lifestyle.
Magazine: I read as many magazines as I can get my hands on but I love American Vogue.
5. What’s the ONE thing you absolutely can’t live without?
My boys.
6. What is your biggest pet peeve?
I prefer when people don’t call Peter directly for something that someone else can handle (like their show seat assignment).
7. If you could have dinner with anyone (living or not) who would it be?
Katharine Graham.
8. What does it mean to you to have a strong, engaging brand and how has having one helped you?
I am so lucky to have an opportunity to work across all disciplines I love and be responsible for the strategic direction of the brand. My position has allowed me to work across sales, marketing, public relations, and creative while focusing on and promoting a brand I feel truly passionate about. I am also so fortunate to work with a great team everyday and over the years who have helped shape me into the leader I am today. Being able to work with a great balance of business and creativity is a huge motivator for me every day.
9. What is your #1 tip for fellow women entrepreneurs?
Don’t give up. Perseverance (and hard work of course) is key and try not to take no for an answer.
1. Animal Leopard Goat Coat
Stay warm and extra chic this winter with this beautiful and exotic fur coat that is sure to make a statement.
https://www.petersom.com
2. Peter Michael Wines
The Peter Michael wine growing philosophy is modeled on the French tradition, infused with a few modern influences. The wine is produced only in limited quantity in Sonoma County and is always elegant rather than overstated.
https://www.petermichaelwinery.com
3. Honey Ginseng Green Tea
A relaxing blend combines the ancient health properties of China green tea with Panax ginseng and full blossom honey. This delicious, subtly sweet tea offers a peaceful sipping experience.
$10, https://www.therepublicoftea.com
4. The Goldfinch
An Amazon Best Book of the Month, October 2013, The Goldfinch is a mesmerizing, stay-up-all-night and tell-all-your-friends triumph, an old-fashioned story of loss and obsession, survival and self-invention, and the ruthless machinations of fate.
$27, https://www.amazon.com
5. Homeoplasmine
A staple for makeup artists during winter fashion shoots, Homeoplasmine treats wind-chapped, windblown, and jetlagged models suffering from skin peeling from the cold. Within minutes, skin looks radiant and hydrated.
$22, https://www.avibon.com
6. Hermes Bolide Bag
Recognized among the fashion savvy, the Bolide bag has all the qualities of an iconic and timeless purchase.
$7,600, https://www.hermes.com
7. Nason Moretti Dandy Tumbler
Handmade in Italy, Nason Moretti is the pinnacle of Italian tableware. This stunning tumbler is both classic and refreshingly modern.
$95, https://www.barneys.com
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