The face of Angela’s, Rye’s premier chic boutique, is that of Samantha Del Gatto, owner Angela Guitard’s daughter, who followed in her mother’s ultra fashionable footsteps.
By Janice Llanes Fabry
The face of Angela’s, Rye’s premier chic boutique, is that of Samantha Del Gatto, owner Angela Guitard’s daughter, who followed in her mother’s ultra fashionable footsteps.
“I’d always watch my mother, in awe of how she sat before a work day, perfecting her hair and makeup. She’d open her closet and there would be a sea of color and style and, of course, about 100 pairs of shoes,” recalled Del Gatto. “My mother always seemed to have on the perfect outfit. She’s a trendsetter and I respect that about her.”
Although the Rye resident wouldn’t say that about herself, Del Gatto, too, is a fashionista. Her impeccable taste, discerning eye, and natural elegance have made their mark on Purchase Street since Angela’s opened in 2011.
Previously a stylist at both Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, Del Gatto exudes a warm, lovely manner. She is as fastidious about cultivating relationships with customers as she is about merchandising the entire store, including Angela’s windows, which spiff up our downtown.
“This business is not about just selling. It is about the experience our clients have. Our job is to make them feel comfortable and feel their absolute best,” noted Del Gatto. “There is nothing we wouldn’t do, from alterations to finding that perfect undergarment. My goal is to make every woman feel confident and beautiful.”
Del Gatto isn’t all about the retail experience and the latest trends, however. She is also an accomplished opera singer, who became captivated by opera very early on.
“When I was about 6 and watching television with my grandfather, we came upon a production of ‘Aida’ and I was fascinated,” she recalled vividly. “I loved the vibrato, the characters, and getting lost in all that.”
As a little girl, she’d listen to Metropolitan Opera broadcasts and at age 13 she was accepted into Juilliard. “The sounds coming from the vocalists without any amplification, the acting, seeing the dramas unfold, and how everything came together was magical,” she said.
After continuing her studies at the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, the soprano performed all over Philadelphia and New York City. Her first major role was Tosca in Puccini’s heart wrenching “Tosca.” Subsequently, she was invited to La Scala in Milan and went on to perform all over Italy.
Like many of the librettos Del Gatto brought to life, however, her story took an unexpected turn when she discovered the life of a diva was not for her. She returned home, leaving behind arias in favor of apparel and accessories.
Her affinity for fashion is evident in her enthusiasm about Angela’s new shipments. Del Gatto’s favorite designer right now is Fabiana Filippi.
“Her designs are very textural with mixed materials and earthy, muted colors. They fit beautifully on the body,” she remarked.
Del Gatto is delighted to live in Rye in close proximity to the shop. “I love seeing my clients when I’m out food shopping or running errands. It also makes it easy for me to come in for private appointments on Sunday or stay late pulling pieces for clients.”
About working so closely with the woman she idolized all those years ago, she observed, “I think we have a great dynamic.”
Angela added, “We make a great team. The key is that we understand our clients and can edit our merchandise to meet each client’s needs the moment they walk in the door.”
As Del Gatto said, “When a woman comes in and tells us she felt beautiful, confident, and loved what we sold her, that is the greates
t reward.”
