The Luxe List: Hello, off-season … hello, Aspenites

Given that we are entering the depths of off-season (cue restaurants and hotels shuttering to give this town a quaint and terrifying “The Shining” vibe), I thought it would be a nice time to highlight some local retail personalities to find out more about their business and what they are excited about for fall. 

Naturally, there is no retail discussion in Aspen without talking about the iconic Pitkin Country Dry Goods. I caught up with Nathaniel Harris, the Men’s buyer at one of Aspen’s most popular multibrand boutiques. 

I also talked to Brittany Van Domelen, who was born and raised in the valley. More than 10 years ago, she bought the yoga/Pilates studio O2 and moved it from Main St. to Mill St. in downtown Aspen. She now has a bustling wellness business of workout classes, a Knockout Beauty store-in-store, and a spa, not to mention an awesome retail offering. 

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Finally, Savannah Friedkin is new to the Aspen retail scene. Her stunning pop-up in The Aspen Times Building at the Hotel Jerome caught jewelry lovers’ eyes from Main St. all summer long. Her fine jewelry collection has a truly Aspen ethos, in that it is made of recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. Her boutique will return this winter for a longer stay. 

I caught up with these three fashionable entrepreneurs to talk about their local businesses and latest obsessions. 

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Nathaniel Harris, Men’s buyer, Pitkin Country Dry Goods

When did you start at Pitkin?

I joined Pitkin County Dry Goods 12 years ago, to grow my career in buying and merchandising. Having spent time in Aspen growing up, I was always drawn to the store’s unique product mix and the energy it brought to town. 

What would you consider your store’s signature brands?

I oversee men’s buying, and we carry some truly iconic names: Auralee, Boglioli, Dries Van Noten, Herno, Officine Générale, Maison Margiela, Stone Island, and many more.

What are you most excited to buy/wear this fall?

Fall is always exciting with sweaters and outerwear coming back into rotation. This season, I’m especially looking forward to introducing three new brands that are extremely hard to find in the U.S.: Mfpen, Meta Compania Collective, and Rier. 

Why is what you offer perfect for an Aspenite’s life?

Our mix is the right balance of practical and stylish pieces that work for daily life here while still feeling special. We offer jeans, button-downs, and knits that are easy to wear but also stand out, making them perfect whether you’re grabbing dinner in town or heading to an event.

What are some of your favorite pieces currently in the store?

A Rier half-zip fleece is a true Aspen essential. Made from 100% Dries Van Noten’s suede sneakers are another favorite this season. And for outerwear, the Savas snap suede jacket hits just right, with a subtle Western feel that fits Aspen perfectly.

Brittany Van Domelen, owner, O2

How long have you owned O2?

I bought O2 in 2015, but before that, I worked as an assistant manager, then manager, then buyer from 2010-14. I guess you could say we have grown up together. 

What would you consider your store’s signature brands?

Splits59, Beyond Yoga, Varley, Kerri Rosenthal, Negative Underwear, and Adidas by Stella McCartney.

What are you most excited to buy/wear this Fall?

In general, I am very into chocolate brown suede and the plaid/flannel trend. Within O2 brands, at home, I can often be found in the Negative Underwear Whipped Collection. 

Why is what you offer perfect for an Aspenite’s life?

Our collection is sporty, chic, and luxurious. It is ageless, which I think speaks to Aspen’s focus on health. My favorite thing to watch in the store is a granddaughter, a daughter, and a grandmother all successfully shopping together.  

What are some of your favorite pieces currently in the store?

P.E Nation zip-ups and double-layered bras, Negative Underwear wide-leg pants and camis, and all of the new Splits59 rib collection. 

Savannah Friedkin, owner, Savannah Friedkin Fine Jewelry

When did you start your company and when did you open your Aspen boutique?

We officially launched in March 2024, and our Aspen pop-up opened in June 2025. At first, it was meant to be just a summer activation, but the response was so exciting that we are now planning to reopen in December for the winter season.

Your collection includes recycled gold and lab-grown diamonds. Tell us why that was important to you.

I’ve had a lifelong commitment to conservation, so it was non-negotiable for me that my brand reflect that. Lab-grown diamonds are fascinating because they’re 100% traceable. I know exactly where they’re made and by whom. That kind of transparency in the labor used to produce these stones, plus the fact that they don’t disrupt land in their production, makes them meaningful. The same goes for recycled gold: Instead of mining, we’re repurposing gold that’s already in circulation, transforming discarded metals into jewelry that can last generations. 

What are you most excited to buy/wear this fall?

I’m really excited about our new white gold pieces. I’ve always been a yellow gold girl, but seeing our Lariat and Emergence Rectangle Ring in white gold has me looking forward to trying something fresh and different. On the fashion side, I just picked up a Marfa Stance yellow rain bomber with a hood. 

Why is what you offer perfect for an Aspenite’s life?

In Aspen, we’re surrounded by incredible natural beauty, and our pieces are created with that same spirit in mind: sustainable, ethical, and designed to protect the planet we all enjoy. They’re also made to be lived in — you can wear them on the mountain during the day and straight into the evening.

What are some of your favorite pieces currently in your collection?

I love The Pear Ring. To me, the ring feels like a yin-yang: two pieces that balance and complete each other. Our signature wide and broken narrow cuffs are also very close to my heart.