A new aesthetic destination has arrived in Southold as Stephanie Pinerio’s The Bellwether has taken up residence alongside Laura O’Brien’s Fez & Ivy. Located at 53800 Main Road, the shared storefront represents a strategic partnership that blends handmade textiles with a curated collection of antiques and vintage rugs. This collaborative model, which launched late last summer, offers a seamless shopping experience where contemporary craftsmanship meets old-world design.
The Bellwether is the retail evolution of Pinerio’s Shed Textile Co., a brand she founded in 2018. A former Manhattan advertising creative director with a background in textile design from FIT, Pinerio previously operated out of North Fork Apothecary in Cutchogue. The move to a dedicated Southold storefront allows for an expanded inventory that includes hand-woven pillows, knitwear, crocheted products, and peel-and-stick wallpaper. The space also features a functional weaving studio, allowing customers to see the production process firsthand.
The synergy between the two brands is evident in their mixed inventory. While Fez & Ivy focuses on rare textiles, rugs, and antiques, The Bellwether introduces artisanal goods such as Sabah shoes, Turkish towels, and signature candles. A notable highlight of the current collection is a collaboration with local artist Elizabeth Talerman, featuring vintage textiles embroidered with 1960s advertisements sourced from archival copies of the Suffolk Life newspaper.
For the Southold commercial landscape, this partnership reflects the village’s growing reputation for high-end, walkable retail. By splitting a side-by-side storefront, Pinerio and O’Brien have created a multifaceted destination that serves both individual retail customers and the wholesale design community. The shop also plans to utilize its back gallery space for community events, further establishing it as a local hub for the arts.
The Bellwether and Fez & Ivy are now open on Main Road, providing a unique perspective on modern textile design and historical preservation. Its presence is a testament to the thriving community of makers and curators currently shaping the North Fork’s retail identity.
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