For sixty years, Hallak Cleaners the Couture Cleaner has been entrusted with Manhattan’s finest wardrobes. The official cleaner of Whom You Know since 2012, Hallak is the only cleaner Peachy Deegan would ever use and we are honored to work with them. New York’s fashion boutiques have been recommending Hallak to their loyal customers for years. They understand the importance of quality fabric care and protecting their client’s investment. While Hallak is known for their expert handling of couture and other precious items, they also make it a point to give your more casual garments the same level of attention. Their representatives are always on the look out for the hard-to-notice stains, loose seams, missing buttons, etc. You can trust Hallak Cleaners with your entire wardrobe and then some. A sample of some of their specialized services:
Tables & Bed Linens
Suede, Leather & Furs
Couture & Casual Wear
Custom Interior Services
Expert tailoring department located at both locations.
Complimentary Pick Up and Delivery Service 6 Days a Week.
Hallak Cleaners
1232 Second Avenue (near 65th)
New York, NY 10065
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a pick up, please feel free to email us at info@hallak.com
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Sandra Jones has built her career around an appreciation for elegance, craftsmanship, and her love of style. Since 2013, she has served as Director North America for LISE CHARMEL, the renowned French luxury lingerie and swimwear Maison. The Company has earned an exceptional reputation for its European manufacturing and its couture savoir-faire. Through her leadership, Sandra has played an instrumental role in strengthening the visibility and development of the brand across the United States and Canada, while preserving the artistic and emotional essence that defines the House. Her ability to bridge French luxury culture with the expectations of the North American market has made her a respected voice within the premium fashion and intimates industry.
Prior to joining LISE CHARMEL, Sandra developed extensive experience representing some of the most iconic names in French and International fashion, including Nina Ricci, John Galliano, Sonia Rykiel, and Jean Paul Gaultier. She also worked as a creative director for intimate apparel brands, further deepening her understanding of the fashion industry from both a strategic and artistic perspective. Having evolved within the fashion sphere since graduating in International Business, Sandra brings an insider’s understanding of luxury, brand development, merchandising, creative direction, and consumer behavior. These experiences shaped her distinctive approach to business, blending creativity, emotional intelligence, and strategic market vision while cultivating an enduring appreciation for bold design and couture craftsmanship.
Over the years, Sandra has developed strong relationships with some of the most prestigious retailers, specialty boutiques, luxury resorts, and industry partners throughout North America. She is recognized not only for her strategic vision and business expertise, but also for her authentic and passionate approach to partnership building. Sandra believes that luxury is deeply rooted in emotion, storytelling, and experience, and she continuously works to ensure that every collection presentation, event, and collaboration reflects those values. Her understanding of fashion extends beyond products alone; she sees lingerie and swimwear as an expression of confidence, femininity, artistry, and personal empowerment.
Born in France and shaped by both European and American cultures, Sandra brings a uniquely international perspective to her work and personal life. Fluent in French, English, Italian, and Spanish, she values language as a bridge between cultures and people. Demonstrating both curiosity and discipline, she has also been committed to learning Japanese over the past seven months, reflecting her genuine passion for international cultures and continuous personal growth. Her multicultural background has allowed her to navigate diverse environments with sophistication, adaptability, and sensitivity while building meaningful relationships across industries and continents.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sandra is known for her warmth, loyalty, and genuine enthusiasm for people. Colleagues and clients alike appreciate her energy, generosity, and ability to create meaningful long-term relationships built on trust and mutual respect. She approaches both business and life with passion and authenticity, valuing integrity and human connection above all else. Whether mentoring teams, supporting retail partners, or collaborating on creative projects, Sandra consistently brings empathy, determination, and elegance to every interaction.
Sandra Jones continues to champion the values of excellence, creativity, and timeless femininity through her work with LISE CHARMEL. Her dedication to elevating French luxury within the North American market has contributed to the continued growth and recognition of the brand while reinforcing its reputation for refinement and artistry. With more than a decade leading the North American division, Sandra remains inspired by the power of fashion to create emotion, confidence, and beauty in everyday life. Her journey reflects both professional achievement and a personal commitment to celebrating craftsmanship, culture, and the art of meaningful relationships. We are absolutely thrilled to present Sandra Jones as the latest Mover and Shaker! Peachy Deegan interviewed Sandra for Whom You Know.
Peachy Deegan: What does fashion mean to you?
Sandra Jones: A deeply personal way to express yourself.
What does luxury mean to you?
To me, true luxury is time, craftsmanship, authenticity, and emotion.
What makes the North American market significant for Europe, particularly the USA market and also specifically, the East Coast?
The North American market, and particularly the United States, remains strategically significant for European luxury and fashion brands because of its scale, purchasing power, cultural influence and appreciation for exclusivity and innovation. Consumers are interested in storytelling, craftsmanship, authenticity and heritage, which naturally aligns with our Maison.
The American market is also unique in its ability to amplify global desirability. Success in the U.S. often creates international credibility and visibility far beyond the market itself. The East Coast plays a critical role because it historically has one of the strongest concentrations of luxury retail, international tourism, fashion media, and affluent clientele in the country. The East Coast consumer also tends to have a strong appreciation for European savoir-faire, quality materials, tailoring, and craftsmanship.
What are your first significant fashion memories of your life and how did they shape your professional career?
I saw my mother and maternal grand-mother, strong women always dressing impeccably, looking tailored and elegant, commanding respect and attention with their appearance. They played a significant role in how I wanted to dress and view fashion.
What makes a fashion business successful?
Fashion is not only about designing beautiful products, but also about creating relevance, consistency, and demand over time.
What are your favorite top five fashion items of your professional career, who made them, and why are they your favorite?
Frankly, throughout my professional career, I have encountered countless beautiful creations, but I remain genuinely in awe of the extraordinary artistry that Lise Charmel brings to corsetry and swimwear.
One unforgettable piece was a nude crystal tulle sheer set adorned with exquisite red embroidery that appeared almost tattooed onto the skin. The color combination was so rare and striking that it stood apart even among the many treasures created by the Maison. It possessed that elusive balance of sensuality, refinement, and artistic audacity that transforms lingerie into true couture.
Another remarkable Lise Charmel set featured vintage Leavers lace appliqué over crystal tulle, delicate eyelash finishes, and silk corset lacing inserted throughout the silhouette. The structure itself challenged every conventional expectation of lingerie, elevating it into an entirely different dimension of craftsmanship and sophistication. It felt architectural, yet deeply feminine and intimate.
I also remember a dazzling Lise Charmel creation where organza infused the silhouette with an airy sense of magic, accompanied by delicate embroidered flowers and scalloped lace. It carried joy and radiance that it almost made one want to celebrate everyday life simply by wearing it.
Among my cherished memories is also a silk bra and panty set by Corinne Cobson in ivory silk with tiny black polka dots and fine ivory Chantilly lace. It was delicate, feminine, playful, and beautifully different, a perfect expression of understated sensuality.
Finally, a custom-made bodysuit by Sonia Rykiel. Crafted from fine Leavers lace and silk, it fit like a second skin. Hidden discreetly along the side, a nearly invisible Swarovski crystal message spelled the word “Love.” It was divine in its subtlety. It was personal, poetic, and profoundly elegant.
What are your favorite top five fashion items of your personal life outside of your work, who made them, and why are they your favorite?
A few pieces in my wardrobe hold far more than aesthetic value to me, they each carry emotion, craftsmanship, memories, and a certain vision of femininity and strength.
One of the most extraordinary pieces I own is a fine Calais Leavers lace sheer overcoat by Christian Lacroix. It was created uniquely for a fashion show and was never produced commercially due to the rarity of the archival lace used in its construction. It feels less like a garment and more like a piece of fashion history, delicate, theatrical, and utterly irreplaceable.
I also treasure a long, fluid black dress by Paco Rabanne from the 1990s, suspended by simple gold jewel-link straps. Its beauty lies in its restraint. The silhouette is effortless, sensual, and timeless. It is one of those rare dresses that requires absolutely nothing else, not even jewelry, because the elegance is entirely built into the design itself.
Another favorite is a cream leather high-waisted skirt by Gucci with an open slit. It is a remarkably chic and powerful piece that instantly transforms posture and attitude. The structure, the precision of the cut, and the confidence it evokes make it feel almost like armor, feminine, yet commanding.
I deeply love a tweed jacket by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, tailored almost like a man’s suit jacket. The silhouette is modern, sharp, and empowering. What fascinates me most is the subtle sophistication of the color palette, navy, black, cream, touches of red, and tiny sequins woven discreetly into the tweed. In daylight it can appear understated and casual, yet under the right light it reveals an extraordinary elegance and refinement.
And finally, perhaps the most sentimental piece of all: a classic navy striped boat-neck cotton top from Armor-Lux, gifted to me by my grandmother over thirty years ago. I have worn it constantly ever since, and it still looks nearly brand new today. To me, it perfectly represents timeless design, quality craftsmanship, and the emotional durability of truly well-made clothing. It is proof that fashion at its best is not disposable, it becomes part of our lives and our memories.
What should the world know about Lise Charmel?
Lise Charmel is more than a beautiful French lingerie and swimwear brand; it is a celebration of couture craftsmanship, femininity, sensuality, and artistic expression, where every creation embodies the rare savoir-faire of exceptional French luxury. A testament to the profound admiration for women that inspires every creation of the Maison. Still family-owned to this day, the Maison takes immense pride in preserving and perpetuating its heritage, while continuing to elevate the art of intimate apparel through creativity, refinement, and innovation.
What are the top five beaches of the USA you would like to see women wear Lise Charmel swimwear?
We spotted some of our respected clients on the following beaches
- Malibu beach
- Lanikai Beach in Hawaii
- Santa Barbara
- Key West
- Cooper’s beach in the Hamptons
What are the top five beaches of France you would like to see women wear Lise Charmel swimwear?
In France, the brand is well established, and you can see our collections on some of the most prestigious beaches already.
Pampelonne in St Tropez, Deauville, in Normandy, Palombaggia in Corsica, Les Calanques in Cassis and La Croisette in Cannes.
Where is inspiration derived for Lise Charmel swimwear?
Lise Charmel derives inspiration for its swimwear collections from a wide universe of artistic, cultural, and natural influences. Each collection is approached almost like a couture story, where travel, color, architecture, gardens, the sea, exotic destinations, and the arts all become starting points for creation.
Nature is a constant source of inspiration: tropical flowers, ocean reflections, coral reefs, sunsets, palm trees, Mediterranean landscapes, and botanical gardens frequently influence the prints, embroidery, and color palettes. Many collections are designed to evoke the emotion of travel and escape, whether inspired by the Riviera, Portofino, Deauville, Polynesia, or distant tropical islands.
Fashion history and decorative arts also play an important role. The Maison often draws from couture references, Art Deco motifs, jewelry craftsmanship, vintage silhouettes, and architectural lines to create swimwear that feels both timeless and modern. The details are extremely intentional: jewel accessories, sculpting cuts, embroidery placements, and exclusive prints are all designed to elevate swimwear beyond functionality into true fashion creation.
Another key source of inspiration is femininity itself, the movement of the body, the desire to enhance the silhouette, and the emotional relationship women have with beauty, confidence, and sensuality. The collections are designed not only to be visually striking, but also to make women feel elegant, empowered, and comfortable.
What makes Lise Charmel unique is that inspiration is always filtered through the Maison’s couture savoir-faire. Even highly technical swimwear fabrics are treated with the same artistic approach used in luxury lingerie: exclusive designs developed in-house, refined color stories, intricate embroidery, exceptional attention to detail to parfait the ultimate fit. The result is swimwear that exists at the intersection of fashion, craftsmanship, and escape.
Is Lise Charmel the name of a person and if so please tell us about her.
Lise Charmel is not actually the name of a real person. The name was created for the brand itself and was designed to evoke femininity, elegance, charm, and French refinement rather than represent a specific individual.
Like many French luxury maisons, the name carries a romantic and poetic quality that feels almost like a woman one could imagine, sophisticated, sensual, artistic, and timeless. “Lise” gives a soft and feminine identity, while “Charmel” evokes charm, allure, and elegance.
In many ways, “Lise Charmel” became symbolic of an idealized feminine universe rather than a single woman. Over the decades, the Maison has built that identity through couture craftsmanship, artistic embroidery, exceptional lacework, and a deep celebration of femininity and French savoir-faire.
Please tell us about your firsthand experiences with Nina Ricci, John Galliano, Sonia Rykiel, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Having the opportunity to represent houses such as Nina Ricci, John Galliano, Sonia Rykiel, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Christian Lacroix gave me a fascinating firsthand perspective into the world of intimate apparel and swimwear, where each Maison expressed its own singular vision of fashion, femininity, and creativity.
What struck me with Nina Ricci was the extraordinary sense of femininity and refinement. There was always a softness and sophistication to the collections, with an emphasis on elegance that felt deeply Parisian. The house understood how to create beauty that was graceful and timeless without ever feeling overly complicated.
John Galliano, by contrast, represented pure theatrical creativity and storytelling. His work pushed boundaries constantly and transformed fashion into emotion, drama, and fantasy. What fascinated me most was the level of imagination behind every silhouette, every fabric choice, every detail. There was an intensity and artistic boldness that made fashion feel almost cinematic.
Sonia Rykiel embodied a completely different energy :intellectual, liberated, sensual, and effortlessly chic. The Maison celebrated women in a way that felt deeply authentic and modern. There was humor, freedom, and personality in the clothes. I always admired how Sonia Rykiel made knitwear and softness feel powerful, while maintaining an unmistakable Parisian spirit.
Jean Paul Gaultier brought an extraordinary combination of technical mastery, irreverence, and cultural commentary. His work constantly challenged conventions around beauty, gender, structure, and identity while remaining incredibly wearable and emotionally impactful. There was always a sense of freedom and confidence surrounding the brand. He had the rare ability to blend couture craftsmanship with provocation, humor, and humanity all at once.
What I learned most from these experiences is that truly influential fashion houses are never simply selling garments. Each one creates an entire universe, a philosophy, and a way of seeing the world. They all expressed femininity differently, yet each demonstrated how fashion can become a form of cultural expression, emotion, and identity.
What should all Americans know about French people?
They are not as arrogant as they seem!
What should all French people know about Americans?
That the United States is incredibly regional, and someone from New York City, San Francisco, or the Midwest may have completely different lifestyles, values, accents, and perspectives.
What can Americans learn from the French?
To slow down and take time to enjoy life, watch the sunset!
What can the French learn from Americans?
Learn to say YES before you say NO, keep your mind open and positive.
How did you become so gifted in terms of learning other languages?
I believe I was born curious, with a natural fascination for languages and cultures. That curiosity led me to pursue an international business degree, during which I became fluent in both English and Spanish. I also lived in Italy for six years. More recently, I decided to challenge myself by learning Japanese, a language and writing system entirely different from anything I had studied before. For me, learning a language is never just about communication; it is about understanding how people think, express emotion, and see the world.
What or who has had the most influence on your pursuit of excellence?
My grandfather has been one of the greatest sources of inspiration in my life. He came from a humble farming family and became the first in his family to pursue a higher education and build a successful professional career through determination, discipline, and vision. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he raised four children while creating a life filled with culture, curiosity, and opportunity. He traveled throughout Europe with his family, believing deeply in the importance of discovery and openness to the world. He was also part of the French Resistance during World War II, a chapter of his life that I have always viewed with immense admiration and respect. It reflected not only courage, but also a profound sense of integrity and responsibility toward others. What touches me most is that, despite everything he achieved, he never lost sight of family. To me, his life represents resilience, generosity, transmission, and the belief that one generation can profoundly elevate the next.
What are you proudest of and why?
Raising my daughter into a strong young woman who just turned 18. By far the most complex and fulfilling role I have ever had.
What would you like to do professionally that you have not yet had the opportunity to do?
I would love to have a more creative role, like designing.
What honors and awards have you received in your profession?
While I have never approached my career with awards as the objective, I feel very fortunate to have earned recognition through the trust of the brands, partners, and teams I have worked alongside throughout the years. One of the greatest professional honors for me has been the opportunity to represent and help develop internationally respected fashion Maison such as Lise Charmel. Another form of recognition I value greatly has been the long-term relationships built with major luxury retailers, specialty boutiques, and industry partners throughout North America. I have also been fortunate to contribute to the expansion and visibility of European luxury brands within the North American market. Ultimately, the recognition that matters most to me comes from knowing that I have helped connect artistry, craftsmanship, and creativity with people in a meaningful and lasting way.
What one word best describes you and why?
Open minded: I try my best to bring positive energy to those around me and into the world.
What do you take your sense of identity from?
My sense of identity comes from the combination of my French heritage and the more than twenty-one years I have spent living in the United States. Both cultures have profoundly shaped the person I am today. France gave me a deep appreciation for craftsmanship, culture, aesthetics, and reflection, while the United States strengthened my sense of openness, adaptability, ambition, and entrepreneurial spirit. Living between these two worlds has allowed me to develop a perspective that feels both rooted and constantly evolving.
What is your favorite place to be in Manhattan? And France?
Sitting on a bench in Central Park, snow or shine, and any French café I can see the Eiffel Tower from!
What is your favorite shop in Manhattan? And France?
In NY, Bergdorf Goodman and Le Bon Marche in Paris, I can wander and wonder in both for hours…
If you could hire anybody whom would it be and why?
I would hire Simon Sinek for his no nonsense and sensibility.
What is the best advice you’ve received in your career and what mentors have influenced you the most?
Share your time wisely and trust your intuition. If you stay connected to it, you will find your way. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, elevate you, and bring out the very best in you.
What is your favorite drink?
Champagne!
What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you at a cocktail party?
Not being invited and sharing the same last name as the bride and groom so everyone thought I was a close family member, so I stayed incognito for a while.
What is your favorite restaurant in Manhattan? And France?
Milos, in NY city - Greek food
Le 404, in Paris - Moroccan food
What is your favorite Manhattan book or favorite character in Manhattan literature? And France?
Manhattan: Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffany's.
France : Le Petit Prince by Saint- Exupéry
What is your favorite tv show and why?
I loved The Gilded Age for the characters, costumes and historical references.
What is your favorite movie and why?
Many! I love watching again, A Good Year, by Ridley Scott because its emotional power comes from atmosphere rather than plot twists and it was made in Provence where I grew up. It’s about success, ambition, memory, sensuality and slowing down.
What do you know now that you wish you knew at the beginning of your career?
Don’t try to do it all at once, be selective and delegate. It takes time to build solid foundation.
What’s one thing you wish the world better understood about you and why?
Kindness is not a weakness.
Who would you like to be for a day and why?
A singer, to experience the gift of having a beautiful voice.
What would you like to be asked in an interview that you never have been asked, and how would you answer it?
“What is your favorite thing to wear to bed?” I would reply “a peaceful mind”
If you could have anything in Manhattan named after you what would it be and why? And France?
If I could have anything in Manhattan named after me, it would be a bench in Central Park near Conservatory water. I love the idea of creating a place where people naturally come to pause, to rest, read, reflect, or simply share a conversation. In a city that moves so quickly, a bench becomes a quiet invitation to slow down and reconnect, both with oneself and with others. There is something deeply poetic to me about being associated with a place of calm, beauty, and human connection.
And in France, I would choose a Paris bridge. A bridge symbolizes far more than architecture; it represents connection, movement, and unity. I especially love the idea of linking the left and right banks, two worlds with distinct energies, histories, and spirits that nonetheless belong to the same city and cultural soul. To me, a bridge is a powerful symbol of dialogue, openness, and the beauty of bringing people together.
What has been your best Manhattan athletic experience? And France?
Walking, walking and walking again..in both cities.. All the way from Battery Park to the MET.
In Paris from the 7th till the 11th and back, never taking the same road.
What is your favorite thing to do in Manhattan that you can do nowhere else?
See the city at night from Ellis Island
And France?
Climb the stairs of the Eiffel tower..
If you could have dinner with any person living or passed, who would it be and why?
My dad that just passed away in January, to share with him more stories of his life.
What has been your best Manhattan art or music experience?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art never ceases to impress me with the depth and sophistication of its fashion exhibitions. The way the museum contextualizes fashion within art, history, craftsmanship, and culture is always extraordinary.
However, my most memorable experience there was a few years ago, when I had the rare opportunity to visit the museum before public opening hours with only a very small group. There was something truly magical about wandering almost alone through those magnificent galleries, immersed in silence, surrounded by such remarkable works of art. Without the usual crowds, every detail felt amplified, the textures, the light, the atmosphere, the emotion behind each piece. It transformed the experience from a museum visit into something deeply intimate and unforgettable.
And France?
One of the most striking artistic and fashion memories of my life was discovering the work of Iris van Herpen for the first time in 2014 at the Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode in Calais, where her creations were being exhibited. I had never seen anything like it before in fashion. Her exploration of silhouette, movement, technology, and craftsmanship through 3D printing opened an entirely new dimension of what fashion could become. The pieces felt almost alive, somewhere between couture, sculpture, architecture, and innovation.
What fascinated me most was how futuristic the work appeared, while still maintaining an extraordinary level of emotion and delicacy. Seeing those creations within the historic context of Calais lace craftsmanship created a powerful dialogue between heritage and innovation. It completely expanded my perception of fashion and confirmed to me that true creation happens when artistry dares to challenge convention.
What do you personally do or what have you done to give back to the world?
I try to give back to my community through both volunteer work and philanthropic support. Over the years, I have contributed time to organizations such as Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and the American Cancer Society, causes that are deeply meaningful to me because they directly support dignity, care, and human connection during difficult moments in people’s lives.
In addition, I proudly support charity: water and the mission led by Scott Harrison, whose work bringing access to clean water to communities around the world I find both essential and profoundly inspiring. I believe even small contributions, when multiplied collectively, have the power to create meaningful and lasting change.
What do you think is most underrated and overrated in Manhattan? And France?
In Manhattan, I think what is often overrated is the idea that everything must constantly be bigger, louder, more exclusive, and happening late into the night in order to feel important or exciting. There can sometimes be an exhausting pressure around spectacle and excess.
By contrast, what feels deeply underrated to me is something far quieter: walking along the Hudson at dawn, early in the morning before the city fully awakens. In those moments, Manhattan reveals an entirely different beauty, peaceful, reflective, almost cinematic. The light over the water, the stillness, and the feeling of having a small moment of intimacy with such an immense city is truly extraordinary.
In France, I think what is overrated is the perception that beauty and elegance are somehow completely effortless. While France is undeniably beautiful, that image often overlooks the immense amount of reflection, craftsmanship, curation, discipline, and time that exists behind architecture, gastronomy, fashion, gardens, and even everyday aesthetics. There is intention behind much of what appears “naturally” refined.
What is underrated, however, are some of the lesser-traveled regions of France, such as the Auvergne and its spectacular chain of volcanoes. The landscapes there are breathtaking, powerful, and deeply authentic. It is a part of France that feels profoundly connected to nature, history, and simplicity, yet it remains far less internationally recognized than it deserves.
Other than Movers and Shakers of course, what is your favorite WhomYouKnow.com column and what do you like about it?
What else should Whom You Know readers know about you?
That I genuinely hope they enjoyed reading about the brand and that their biggest testament would be to want to discover our brand and experience it first-hand.
How would you like to be contacted by Whom You Know readers?
Through our customer service website, merci
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