From New York to Nashville, Kimberly Lewis has been successfully sharing her fabulous style for decades. Owner of the beautiful and trendsetting boutique Emerson Grace, Kimberly brings her flair and fashion expertise to the 12South neighborhood (not to mention, she and her husband, Jim, also own local favorites Josephine and Burger Up!). A self-proclaimed “shoes and bag” girl who has worked with such esteemed brands as Guess Jeans, BCBG Max Azria, and Ralph Lauren, she prides herself on offering women “wearable fashion” that empowers and inspires. Please welcome our newest FACE of Nashville, Kimberly Lewis!
What inspired your style and your foray into fashion?
My personal style was first inspired by my mom. I grew up in Hawaii, and she wore high heels and pretty dresses; she always looked great. She went to black tie events — even once we moved to California from Hawaii — and she always had great taste and style. I think that’s why I’m a big “shoes and bag” girl.
I’ve been in fashion since I was a teenager — part-time jobs in high school and college — and then I was in California and worked for Guess Jeans, which was MGA back in the day. My claim to fame is that I worked on and launched BCBG Max Azria. I took their entire retail division from zero to 100 before I left the first time. I worked there three times on the retail and wholesale sides! But on the retail side, I built the entire retail infrastructure. It was slow growth, pretty grassroots. I also worked as the assistant general manager of the Ralph Lauren flagship store on Rodeo Drive for one year.
What brought you to Nashville, and how did Emerson Grace come about?
I married my fantastic husband; we’ve been together nine years. We own Josephine and Burger Up, and Josephine is in the same building as Emerson Grace. The Josephine lease was signed first, and when there was still a space available, my husband said, “We should open a store there.” That’s the short version. The store will turn nine in December.
What can people expect if they’ve never been in the shop before?
I deem Emerson Grace elevated casual — a place where real women shop, where you can dress from day to night. You can mix luxury items with more contemporary or entry-level pieces to have balance in your wardrobe. I also feel like it’s wearable fashion. When women look good, they feel good. That, to me, is our mission. We have a base of denim because I’m a “denim with a pretty top” kind of girl. And you can wear that day or night depending on your accessories. You can wear the same outfit and mix it up. It’s a comfortable, wonderful, welcoming environment and a pretty store. I have a fabulous team of experienced and seasoned stylists working to ensure women look good. We don’t sell just to sell. I think that’s why we’re so successful. There’s honesty and truth; we have intention. We want people to get compliments when they walk out of the store. We want them to feel good and their heads to be held high. I think we do a good job of that.
What is your favorite personal style, and who are your favorite designers?
On my personal Instagram, one of my taglines is that I’m “classic with a fancy twist” because I might wear contemporary denim and a pretty blouse from the store but have luxury accessories like shoes and bags. I always like to feel polished and look good, and I think that goes back to my mom. I really enjoy the designers that we carry in the store. Many of them have been with us since day one. They have good products they stand behind that fit women well, which is really important. But I still try to look for new brands to incorporate and elevate. I love Ulla Johnson, Brochu Walker, Mother Denim, and Citizens of Humanity denim. I have wonderful working relationships with many of these brands because I’ve been in the industry for so long. Most of the brands I carry are women-owned, and I’ve known a few of those women from previous roles in my life, so there’s a personal connection.
You also have an initiative highlighting regional designers called “local focus.” Can you tell us about that?
It’s constantly moving and evolving. We’re always looking for good talent. We have a prominent and pretty jewelry case for the store, and one of the local designers we carry is Carden Avenue. We’ve carried them from day one and grown the size of their business over the years. The two women who are partners and own that brand are wonderful humans. We work well together, and their product sells. It’s affordable, and they are one of the anchors of our local jewelry. I look for Southern brands. I always scout Nashville brands, but I also scout the rest of the South because we have many clients and visitors from [all over the] Southern region. It’s always nice to highlight them. Sometimes I do a pop-up, and it evolves to having them in the store permanently because there’s such a positive reaction.
Rumor has it you love traveling for style inspiration. Where have you gone that offers you inspiration?
First of all, I love Paris. I love Mexico. It’s my summer style — pretty dresses, great skirts, beautiful hats, leather sandals — that relaxed vacation vibe that’s elevated but still put together and casual. Then, I think Paris gives you this more polished, effortless style. We do an annual event in the store called “The Paris Pop-Up.” It’s usually every October or November, and it’s pretty big. I bring Parisian products to the store from a Paris buying trip. It’s limited stock, and it’s shop ’til you drop.
In your opinion, what is the most vital style element for a woman to have in her wardrobe?
I think it’s important to have well-made pieces. It’s easy to get into “fast fashion” and just grab something. Sometimes you have to spend a little bit more, whether it’s an accessory or your clothing, so it lasts. That’s the purpose of good style to me. It’s not necessarily about what’s trendy. It’s about what fits you well and looks good on you. I love a good blazer and a great T-shirt, whether crew neck or V-neck. I love great jeans and a pretty dress. I like dresses, in general, because they’re easy; they’re one and done. That can be a mini, midi, maxi, or all three because they are easy to transition to whatever is happening on your social calendar. I also love luxury bags, and I buy the classics before I buy the trends. If you invest in a really good bag, it lasts, and they stand behind their product. There’s a reason ladies love Chanel! Coco did it right.
If you could outfit anyone, who would it be?
The two people who come to mind first are Michelle Obama and Beyoncé. They’re opposites, but to me, that is how women are. I think that within every woman, there is someone who has a more classic and refined style, but then there’s her alter ego who’s fun and funky.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever given or received?
So many things come to mind! First, trust your gut. I also say to everyone — especially young women — “Know your worth.” I have a daughter, Lauren, and I say it to her and all of her friends. You have to know your worth, and it all falls in line.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what are three things you cannot live without?
I can’t live without a good laugh, a good cry, and good food and drink. I love a martini.
All photography courtesy of Emerson Grace and Kimberly Lewis.
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Meet more inspiring Nashville women through our FACES archives!
