As far as style and substance goes - The Webster Miami has heralded itself as a fashion capital in a city not exceptionally recognized for their style. Frederic Dechnik, The Webster’s Chief Operating Officer, has developed a reputation as not only a local fashion force, but a global style icon and entrepreneur. While acquiring a strong expertise in both retail and product merchandising - he honed his skills at Hermes, Gucci, and Yves Saint Laurent - he also holds a degree in Business and Economics.

With Art Basel happening as we speak, The Webster Miami is one of THE destinations to hit up for the international jet-set. Showcasing the exclusive launch of Jeff Koons’ Ikepod watch as well as a Pucci trunkshow - I spoke to Mr. Dechnik to find out what makes his study in fashion retail a lesson in innovation and success.

As the COO of The Webster - what do your responsibilities entail? I oversee the store’s daily operations. I also manage the team as well as run the buying process with both Laure and Milan.

You hold a degree in business and economics. Was fashion something you always wanted to pursue? I hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in Business and Economics from the French University in Paris. Originally, I studied politics and wanted to work for the Parliament of France, but I grew up surrounded by beautiful women who loved to dress which ultimately led to my taste for fashion.

What was your first job? My first job in fashion was at Hermes’ flagship store in Paris where I was a salesperson for menswear. Hermes is where I really took an interest in the underpinnings of service, quality and craftsmanship of luxury fashion. Prior to that, I was in the French army for one year.

Take The Malcolm readers through a typical day in your life. What can we expect from morning to night in the life of Frederic? In the morning, I spend two hours biking and swimming.  The rest of the day is spent at The Webster where I oversee the stores daily operations. I usually eat lunch at Kaspia around 2:00pm and meet friends at The Raleigh for drinks around 8:00pm, followed by dinner at Joe Allen.

Founded by yourself, Milan and Laure - what is the working relationship between the 3 of you? How did you meet? After two years at Hermes, I joined the Gucci team and Tom Ford in the late 90’s, where I assisted in revamping the Gucci brand. During my time at Gucci, I had the opportunity to work very closely with Tom Ford, who I credit as one of my greatest mentors. While at Gucci, I was introduced to Milan, six months before he opened Collette. In 2000, Tom Ford asked me to be the merchandising director of men’s RTW for Yves Saint Laurent. After two years, I took on both men’s and women’s RTW, producing about eight collections per year. I hired Laure to assist me with women’s RTW at Yves Saint Laurent where we worked together for about three years. While I was working at YSL with Laure, I maintained a very close relationship with Milan who I then introduced to Laure. Each of us had a very extensive background in fashion and with the natural evolution of our careers, we were ready for something bigger. In 2005 we started developing the concept of The Webster. We knew that with our combined experience we could successfully open a multi-brand boutique carrying the full collections of the very best designers.

How has the original vision behind The Webster changed since its inception? The size and ambition of the project has definitely evolved and grown from the initial idea.

As a store known for their global fashion relevance - what menswear and womenswear designers do you feel embody TW aesthetic? For menswear, I love Yves Saint Lauren, Adam Kimmel, APC and Maison Martin Margiela. For womenswear, my favorites are Chanel and Balenciaga.

What do you wear to work? Do you find that since you are surrounded by clothes all day - you are one of those people who wears a “uniform” on a daily basis to ease the process of getting dressed? I wear fitted jeans, an Acne striped t-shirt, a Tom Ford belt, vintage suede car shoes, an Yves Saint Laurent tuxedo jacket, a vintage gold Patek Philippe watch, a safety pin by Genevieve Jones that is gold and embedded with rubies and a Dinh Van bracelet.

How would you define your stylistic approach to fashion and getting dressed? Bourgeois Boheme with a touch of classic elegance. I love generosity in clothes vs. minimalism.

Why Miami? What is it about Miami that you feel aligns with The Webster’s code of conduct? Miami has definitely become more of a cultural and popular destination for international clientele, specifically from South America and Europe. This sophisticated group of people has a strong appreciation for luxury, fashion, art, music and fine dining, the DNA of The Webster brand. Miami has become the transit point between Europe, South America and the United States and we have the ability to put Miami on the map as an international fashion destination, similar to New York, Paris and Milan

Who would you consider your all time style icons? Yves Saint Laurent, Duke of Windsor, Serge Gainsbourg, Carine Roitfeld and Princess Grace of Monaco

What are the perks of your job? What are the cons? The wonderful personal entrepreneurial challenge versus the pressure that it comes with.

What’s the best kept secret about Miami? Garcia’s Restaurant

Who is The Webster customer? The Webster customer is someone who appreciates the very best in fashion, art and luxury retail. He and she are sophisticated, worldly and knowledgeable about fashion. They are in tune with their personal style.