Charleston’s iconic RTW celebrating 40 years on King Street

Designers from around the world scheduled to attend celebration of upscale women’s fashion store in Charleston.

Defining personal style since 1978, RTW has been Charleston’s premier fashion specialty store, located in the heart of the city’s historic district on King Street. Owner Janyce McMenamin has personally selected each item, calling together apparel, accessories and shoes from Italy, France, England, Japan and the U.S. The result has been a high-end, eclectic fashion collection that has landed RTW in the fashion spotlight and on the pages of theNew York Times.

RTW is a fashion landmark and women have placed the store on their must-do list during Charleston visits, year after year. The collections shown inside the store are world-renowned.

Celebrating RTW Style   

On Saturday, October 27, RTW is unveiling an exhibit showcasing four decades of fashion. The exhibit is a retrospective of clothing and clients that gives RTW its meaning. “Our clients sent us some of their favorite pieces that they purchased from RTW over the years, and we are turning our second floor into a gallery for two weeks to celebrate RTW style,” said McMenamin.  The public is invited to see the exhibit beginning Monday, October 29.

RTW will also be hosting a “Talk with the Designers” at 4pm on October 27 at the store, 186 King Street (invitation only). The designers are from Spain, South Africa and England and will share their perspectives on the past, present and future of women’s fashion and the role RTW has played in their careers, with interviewer Jeffrey Madoff:

• Up and coming Madrid designer Alejandra Alonso Rojas is a fourth generation hand-knitter who is known for her mix of exclusive prints, inspired from paintings by her mother, an artist in Spain
• Based in Los Angeles, Peter Cohen, from South Africa, is a 32-year veteran of RTW, specializing in timeless, elegant clothing, loved by RTW clients year after year.
•  Georgina Von Etzdorf caught the attention of RTW at the Chelsea Craft Fair in London. This British textile designer was appointed a Royal Designer for Industry by the Royal Society of Arts.

RTW Began Charleston’s King Street Renaissance

With continual accolades such as “Best City” by Travel & Leisure, it is hard to imagine that Charleston’s King Street had once fallen into disrepair, marred by high crime and abandoned buildings. But in 1978, McMenamin had a vision when she saw 186 King Street and opened her independent, locally-owned women’s shop, despite concerns from family and friends.

“The first year, the store was robbed 19 times! Once, they took every bit of clothing we had for sale,” McMenamin recalls. “But I was never deterred. 40 years later, I can’t wait to say ‘thank you’ to the clients, the city and designers who have contributed to RTW’s success.”

Other businesses followed McMenamin’s lead and Charleston’s Renaissance began. Each year, 5-million people visit Charleston to shop on King Street, and enjoy the city’s history, dining and architecture.