James Whitner, through The Whitaker Group, has opened retail boutiques, art galleries, hotels and more. Soon, the parent company to retailers A Ma Maniére, Social Status, APB and Prosper will add a beachside resort to its portfolio of businesses.
This summer, The Whitaker Group will debut A Ma Maniére Beach, its inaugural beachside resort. The three-story building will be located Folly Beach, S.C., which the company explained via statement was once “marked by a history of discrimination. The Whitaker Group also said in a statement that it chose this location “to symbolize a significant reclamation of land and views once denied to people of color.”
The company said it designed the interiors of A Ma Maniere Beach “to embody luxury akin to renowned fashion houses” and features Restoration Hardware-designed fixtures. As for the exterior, the company stated it was painted in a “deep, commanding shade” that “blends with the natural beauty of the beachscape” but is contrasting to the “sun-bleached hues of its surroundings.”
What’s more, The Whitaker Group said art from Whitner’s personal collection is featured throughout the resort, with pieces from artists including Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kaws, Daniel Arsham and others. These selections, according to The Whitaker Group, blend “urban expressionism with cultural hybridity” and contributes “to a dynamic space, weaving together diverse styles, themes and narratives.”
About the Author
Peter Verry is the Senior News and Features Editor for Athletic and Outdoor at Footwear News. He oversees coverage of the two fast-paced and ultracompetitive markets, which includes conducting in-depth interviews with industry leaders and writing stories on sneakers and outdoor shoes. He is a lifelong sneaker addict (and shares his newest purchases via @peterverry on Instagram) and spends most of his free time on a trail. He holds an M.A. in journalism from Hofstra University and can be reached at peter.verry@footwearnews.com.
