Podcast Summary: Let's Get Dressed – Episode Featuring Elyse Walker

Title: Elyse Walker on Rebuilding After the Palisades Fire, Resilience, and the State of Fashion Retail
Host: Liv Perez
Release Date: July 7, 2025

Introduction

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of Let's Get Dressed, host Liv Perez welcomes Elyse Walker, a towering figure in the LA fashion community and a beloved member of the Palisades community. Throughout their conversation, Elyse delves deep into her journey of building a successful fashion retail business, the harrowing experience of losing her store to the Palisades fire, and her unwavering resilience in the face of adversity. The episode not only offers a glimpse into Elyse’s professional endeavors but also sheds light on the personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped her leadership.

Elyse Walker’s Fashion Journey

Early Beginnings and Family Legacy
Elyse Walker's foray into the fashion industry is deeply rooted in her family's legacy. "My first Elise Walker store opened in 1999," Elyse shares, highlighting the humble beginnings of her venture. However, her true initiation into the retail world began earlier: "The first store I actually ever opened was in 1987 on Madison Avenue. I opened a Capretto shoe store, which is still my family shoe business" (07:20). This foundation in the shoe business provided Elyse with invaluable insights and a robust foundation for her future endeavors.

Transition to Clothing and Multi-Brand Retailing
Moving from New York to LA was a transformative experience for Elyse. She recalls, "LA is the capital of denim of the world," emphasizing the vibrant and dynamic fashion scene that inspired her to expand beyond shoes into a broader spectrum of fashion items, including clothing, jewelry, and handbags. The energy and diversity of LA's multi-brand stores ignited her passion: "There was a whole sort of different fashion sense out here... It kind of sparked my love for extra love for fashion" (08:14).

Building the Retail Business in Palisades

Identifying a Market Gap
Elyse Walker’s decision to establish her store in the Palisades was driven by a clear market need. "When we opened in the Palisades, the question was how come there's not a lot of great retail in this wonderful town," she explains (11:08). Observing the lack of fashionable retail options in an affluent and style-conscious community, Elyse saw an opportunity to fill this void with curated, high-quality brands that resonated with the local clientele.

Unique Retail Vision and Community Focus
What set Elyse Walker apart was her unwavering focus on community and relationship-building. "People, then product," Elyse emphasizes, underscoring the importance of personal connections over mere sales (36:25). Her authentic approach fostered a loyal customer base and a dedicated team, ensuring the store wasn't just a retail space but a community hub.

The Palisades Fire: Experience and Impact

Day of the Fire
The Palisades fire was a devastating event that tested Elyse Walker's resilience and leadership. On the day of the fire, Elyse recounts waking up to extreme wind conditions: "We were already on high alert at 8 o'clock in the morning" (24:13). Acting swiftly, she and her team evacuated both her stores within an hour, prioritizing safety over merchandise: "We have two businesses in the Palisades... and we got both teams out within an hour" (24:22).

Personal and Professional Aftermath
The loss was not just of property but of a significant part of her life's work and community: "It was a home. It was certainly my retail home" (24:13). Elyse describes the emotional toll, highlighting the loss of homes and the impact on her team: "We had three people on our team lose their homes... my kids lost their schools" (34:03). Despite the devastation, Elyse remained focused on recovery, emphasizing the importance of the people over the products.

Rebuilding and Future Plans

Immediate Response and Recovery
In the wake of the fire, Elyse took decisive action to keep her business afloat. "We quickly set up a shop. We have a warehouse and office in Culver City... we made a mini store just for them" (35:58). This swift transition ensured that her team remained engaged and connected to the business, even in the absence of the physical store.

Partnership with Rick Caruso and Reopening Plans
A pivotal moment in Elyse's rebuilding process was her collaboration with Rick Caruso, a prominent leader in the community. "Rick Caruso... is a spectacular leader... He doesn't take no for an answer" (38:19). Their partnership has been instrumental in planning the reopening of her store in the Palisades by 2026. Elyse expresses her confidence in the resilience of the community and the collective effort to restore the beloved retail landmark: "Everyone knows 100%, like, 100% the Palisades is coming back" (44:01).

Resilience and Leadership

Navigating Through Adversity
Elyse's response to the Palisades fire exemplifies true leadership. "If I fell apart, everything would," she states, underscoring her commitment to her team and community (33:05). Her ability to remain steadfast and focus on solutions rather than despair has been a source of inspiration for many.

Building a Supportive Team Environment
Elyse places immense value on her team's well-being and morale. "How do I get these people back to work and clear their heads? ... What's the most important, valuable thing in our company? It's people" (36:24). Her approach ensures that her team feels supported and integral to the business's success, fostering a culture of mutual respect and dedication.

The State of Fashion Retail

Brick-and-Mortar Resilience
Contrary to the prevailing narrative that brick-and-mortar retail is in decline, Elyse advocates for its enduring relevance. "Retail for us was never dead in 2020" she asserts, reflecting on her store's performance even amidst global challenges like COVID-19 (48:37). Her focus on in-store experiences and authentic customer relationships has positioned her business as a resilient player in the fashion industry.

Embracing Authenticity and Community
Elyse's philosophy centers on authenticity and genuine community engagement. "Authenticity almost always serves me well," she advises, emphasizing the importance of being true to one's brand and values rather than following fleeting trends (53:01). This approach not only builds trust with customers but also creates a loyal and supportive community around her brand.

Supporting the Community and Future Growth

Encouraging Community Support
Elyse actively encourages listeners and customers to support her businesses across various locations. "If you can go and support those stores... It truly makes a difference. It doesn't just help us financially" (54:35). By expanding her retail presence and fostering connections through multiple channels, she ensures that her community remains engaged and supportive.

Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
From the outset, Elyse has integrated philanthropy into her business model. "Since 2004, we started an event for Cedars Sinai Women's Cancer Research Institute... we raised $11.7 million over 10 years" (50:17). Her commitment to social causes not only enhances her brand's reputation but also reinforces her dedication to making a positive impact within the community.

Key Takeaways and Notable Quotes

• On Leadership in Crisis:
  "If I fell apart, everything would." – Elyse Walker (33:05)

• On Building a Business:
  "People, then product." – Elyse Walker (36:25)

• On Resilience:
  "Never go with your instincts. They're like 90% right." – Elyse Walker (33:26)

• On Authenticity:
  "Authenticity almost always serves me well." – Elyse Walker (53:01)

• On Community Support:
  "There's no merchandise that can't be replaced. But the relationships... those did not burn in the fire." – Elyse Walker (36:24)

Conclusion

Elyse Walker's story is a powerful testament to resilience, authentic leadership, and unwavering commitment to community. Through her experiences of building a successful fashion retail business, facing catastrophic loss, and planning a triumphant return, Elyse exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and vision. This episode of Let's Get Dressed not only highlights the challenges of the fashion retail industry but also inspires listeners with Elyse's dedication to overcoming adversity and fostering a supportive, authentic community.

Listen to the full episode here to gain deeper insights into Elyse Walker's remarkable journey and her vision for the future of fashion retail.