HIGH FASHION IS IN THE FAMILY

As the saying goes, “when one door closes, another opens” — that was certainly the case with Bernard and Nell Weiss in 1975. After 25 years working in high-end fashion retail, the husband and wife team found themselves looking for jobs. The two served as key components to the daily operation of a luxury apparel merchant in Jackson that was shutting its doors. With the support and encouragement of several Jackson-area business leaders, Nell and Bernie created opportunity for themselves. They called it “Maison Weiss” (French for “House of Weiss”).

By associating itself with internationally coveted luxury brands such as St. John, Escada, Halston and Erno Laszlo, and by modeling its customer service standards after the world’s most respected retailers, the newly founded Maison Weiss quickly became the shopping destination for Mississippi women who sought the best.

More than 35 years and three store re-designs later, Maison Weiss continues to usher superlative products into Mississippi, presenting them now to the children and grandchildren of Nell and Berni’s initial customer base. While the Weiss’ have retired, their “house” is still in the family and run by another opportunity-making husband and wife team. Ken and Tracy Szilasi (Ken is the Weiss’ grandson), have both worked at the store for over 25 years, and successfully grown its status as Southeastern stronghold for high-end women’s fashion and beauty products. With a collection of one-of-a-kind furs sourced in New York and Montreal, Gurhan jewelry worn by royalty across the world and the ever popular and outlandishly styled Jimmy Choo shoes, Ken, Tracy and their staff continue to hospitably serve Southern women lifestyle, beauty and fashion…on a silver platter.

Ribbon cutting for original store.