NAPLES, Fla. — Twenty-three-year-old Peter Jean Marie has a passion for fashion, and while attending International Fine Arts College of Miami, he was perfecting his craft that would soon become his label, Peter Jean Marie. Inspired by Ralph Lauren, Jean Marie started small with just neckties and bow ties as he did not have enough funds early on. He wanted to change that, so he quit his job at Saks Fifth Avenue and started showcasing his designs at pop up shops. He called it his “Dream Big Tour.”
“ I showed off my designs, letting people know who I was, what I was out trying to do, and what I was exactly trying to pursue,” said Peter Jean Marie.
Jean Marie reached much success. He later gathered enough funds to open a kiosk store at the Coastland Center Mall, saying he wasn’t ready, but he knew it was time.
“I just wanted to get my foot wet, knowing that I was always traveling to different malls and what not, and I was like I’m going to go ahead and open a consistent shop in my hometown, while I do my weekly pop up shops in different cities,” said Jean Marie.
From here, Jean Marie says he received a call from The Ritz Carlton hotel company that changed the game.
“They said we would like to carry your ties, we’ve heard about you, and we would like to set up a meeting to perhaps see what you have for us, I said okay let's do it,” said Jean Marie.
Unveiling next week inside the luxury hotel and resort, Jean Marie says he is grateful, but he is not getting comfortable just yet.
“It feels exciting to finally have my brand and my name next to big brands. Honestly, I don’t know, it’s still a shock to me, “ said Jean Marie.
After being contacted by many celebrities and athletes, Jean Marie says we can expect more.
“I’m going to continue doing my pop up tours and stay tuned you can’t let the left hand know what the right hand is doing,” said Jean Marie.
For more information be sure to visit Peter Jean Marie's website at peterjeanmarie.store
