Today we speak to part owner and partner of The Drugstore at Liberty Fairs, David Pirrotta.
My parents are both immigrants. My father moved to the US from Sicily, where he was a well known lounge singer; and my mother was from Cuba, where she was a dancer and artist. My mom and dad met on my mom’s first night in the US, and it was love at first sight.
I come from a long line of entrepreneurs. In Cuba, my grandfather had bars, restaurants and left it all behind to reunite the family in the US, where my uncle was living in Hartford CT. My father’s family came from Sicily and all ended up in Hartford CT. I grew up in Glastonbury CT, and when I was 6 years old my parents opened their restaurant in Hartford, CT which was one of the most well known of their time. As a little boy I wanted to be there all the time so I could meet all of the customers and help them have a good time.
I got my break in the beauty and grooming industry in New York. The day I quit my number-crunching day job in New York, I strolled the floors of Bergdorf Goodman. After striking up a conversation with the beauty counter staff and being complimented on my healthy skin, they offered me a job and I started working on the spot.
Working the cosmetic floors at Bergdorf Goodman’s and Barneys New York let me learn in detail how to sell a brand while building long-lasting relationships with retail customers, brand owners, and sales agents. I started accepting consulting projects outside of my work at Bergdorf Goodman’s. I was able to bridge the gap between the retail and wholesale worlds by processing consumer reactions into constructive feedback for small brands. Consulting on packaging, distribution and brand strategy gave me a love for being involved with brands from the ground up.
Over time, I have helped launch and grow The Art of Shaving and Rodin Olio Lusso through my instinct and business driven strategy. Those two small start ups have grown to international fame. And Rodin Olio Lusso, was acquired by Estee Lauder in 2014. It was a spur move to California that inspired me to find a new approach to sales management — taking the leap to begin my very own David Pirrotta Brand Management business in February 2010.
Recently I became a part owner and partner of The Drugstore at Liberty Fairs, curating a showcase of some of the world’s most prestigious and innovative men’s and women’s grooming brands.
Tell us about your personal style and preferences:
Jeans: My go-to denim is whatever can be both stylish and comfortable. I’ve been wearing J CREW 484 Dyed-Black Jeans and J CREW 484 Japanese Selvedge White Jeans a lot. Both are perfect for casual, or can be dressed up for a more formal event.
Shirts & Pants: I love all things Scandinavian designed, so I go straight to Acne Studios. All of their clothes are classic, but modern and functional; and they fit extremely well!
Suits: I love Issey Miyake and Dries Van Noten, and they travel very well!
Shoes: I go between Common Projects and Strange Matter. I love having both of them in black and white for travel and they’re perfect for both formal and casual. I also have a favorite pair of Margiela boots
Accessories: I love my Borsalino Fedora, and always carry a bag. I’m obsessed with all of the Lotuff leather bags! I have a Lotuff backpack, their Working Tote, a small tote, and a duffle. Their bags are understated and American-made. And I love collecting jewelry! Some of my favorite pieces are a vintage gold Rolex, a Rolex Submariner and the gold Cartier love bracelets.
Outerwear: In New York and Europe I’ve been wearing Bottega Veneta’s Reversible Oversized Wool and Mohair Overcoat and my Dries Van Noten Pea Coat. But in Los Angeles, I’m usually wearing an Acne Black Leather Biker Jacket or an Acne Selo Light Bomber Jacket.
Favorite Cologne: I currently have 98 different fragrances! My fragrance is as much a part of my wardrobe as my clothing is. At the moment I’m getting a lot of compliments on Oliver & Co.’s Nebulus 2 and Escentric Molecules, Escentric 01 during the day. And for evening I love Frederic Malle Musc Ravageur.
Favorite App: Uber has been the global app that has saved my life. This past year it has kept me on schedule and on time for appointments all around the world: Los Angeles, New York, Paris, London, Stockholm, Sydney, and Melbourne, even Mexico City. It’s been a life changer for business travel.
Favorite piece of technology: I would be lost without my IPhone 6.
Next tech purchase: I can’t take my eyes off of the Gold Macbook.
Photo credit Gavin Thomas
