By Giovanna DiRusso Contributing Writer
The Nantucket Inquirer and Mirror

(July 24, 2025) When Staud opened its doors on Centre Street last summer, I was immediately drawn to its windows with mannequins wearing simple, tailored silhouettes: figure-shaping designs that make it fun to put on a dress.

Since then, it has continued to put its fashion foot forward by continuing to focus on clothes that have clean, simple lines with innovative interpretations and accessories, but always an emphasis on good styling, comfort and ease.

In 2015, Sarah “Staud” Staudinger and George Augusto co-founded the Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand upon the idea that “fashion shouldn’t just empower women – it should be accessible too.”

The brand currently has 10 stand-alone stores across the United States as well as a location within Market Highland Park in Dallas. It now has two stores in Los Angeles with the flagship on Melrose Avenue. Similarly, in New York, there are two locations, one in Soho and the other on the upper East Side on Madison.

There’s purpose in its decision where to open. It allows them to serve different neighborhoods and customer bases, offering tailored experiences and curated product assortments to meet the needs of each local neighborhood.

In East Hampton, Staud Sea focuses on beachwear and summer essentials for its clientele there.

I spoke with a publicity representative for the company who expressed the concept that Staud wanted to bring the physical retail experience to those Nantucket customers who already have shopped the brand elsewhere as well as a new audiences.

At the heart of the brand, is design. Crafted at the intersection of timeless classics and perfected novelty, Staud offers a collection for the modern woman who appreciates both.

“If fashion is a never-ending pursuit of style, then Staud is what happens after you’ve found it” is a mantra.

Staud designs collections for all seasons. It will be open on Nantucket from March or April through October or November.

In my own never-ending pursuit of style, according to Staud’s own definition of fashion, I purchased its now famous blue toile classic scoop-neck fitted and flared dress in the Madison Avenue store when I was in New York a few weeks ago.

I felt feminine and tailored all at the same time. Many of the designs are in synch with that same combination which sounds like a winning one to me. I will be watching for their fall collection to see what Staud has in store as summer warmth wanes into winter’s chill.