The Woman Behind The Webster: Laure Heriard Dubreuil
A tastemaker and street fashion icon, Dubreuil has transformed her bold use of color and fun pattern trademarks into both The Webster’s brand itself and beyond, into ready-to-wear pieces for her line LHD.
Beginning as Laure Heriard Dubreuil’s stand-alone Miami store, The Webster has grown into a staple among brand boutiques across America. After earning a degree in merchandising from Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and degrees in Mandarin and Business from Paris Dauphine University, she worked as a top merchandiser for Yves Saint Laurent and Balenciaga. A tastemaker and street fashion icon, Dubreuil has transformed her bold use of color and fun pattern trademarks into both The Webster’s brand itself and beyond, into ready-to-wear pieces for her line LHD.
What was your vision for The Webster?
My vision was, and remains as we continue to grow, to create an extremely-curated selection of fashion, clothing, and accessories for women & men– and now children– in a very comfortable, welcoming environment. Building strong relationships with designers to work on exclusive collections together has been one of our foundational pillars. Many of the pieces in the store can’t be found anywhere else. When you walk into any of The Webster spaces (Miami South Beach, Bal Harbour, Houston, South Coast Plaza or NYC Soho), it’s like walking into someone’s home or gigantic closet, with a combination of vintage furniture, art, and wallpapers from the sixties. There is a sense of ease and excitement once you step inside. Time stops– you can take off your shoes, relax, enjoy The Webster, and make it your own!
What has been the most surprising thing about starting your own business?
Being an independent business owner has a unique set of challenges. Everything takes more time, and often, things don’t always go as planned. But challenges only push a brand to be the best, to be adaptable to an ever-changing fashion landscape, and to grow with its clientele.
Can you share with us a favorite memory since you started your company?
Before our permanent storefront opened in Miami, we had two temporary stores on Collins Avenue. I walked into one of these pop-ups one day and found Alber Elbaz crafting a silhouette on a mannequin while he was Creative Director at Lanvin at the time. What an amazing surprise! He told me he felt like he was at home and that was the best compliment I could have ever received!
What are some of your favorite places in Miami?
Mandolin Aegean Bistro is one of my favorite restaurants in Miami, so delicious and charming! Planta is a great new vegan restaurant owned by David Grutman. It has a really cool and hip atmosphere, and you are able to get unique healthy vegan dishes that you can’t find anywhere else. The Standard Hotel is the best place to have lunch or dinner on the water. Le Sirenuse is my latest go-to at the stunning Surf-Club fully renovated by architect Joseph Dirand. C Madeleine’s is an amazing one-stop shop for vintage fashion organized by decades. Casa Tua is an institution for dinner in the garden and/or late drinks upstairs. And I go clubbing at the Faena Hotel!
…and New York?
For breakfast, The Standard East Village Café is my go-to when I’m on my way to our Tribeca offices. La Mercerie is a quaint café located in the Roman and Williams Guild building. It’s perfect for a crepe au sucre after a day of shopping in SoHo, and you can always find something for your house. Nix is a great vegetarian restaurant in Greenwich Village where I go when I’m feeling less carnivorous than usual. Sant Ambroeus Lafayette is my canteen for lunch. When I am looking for a unique new piece for my home, Creel and Gow is my absolute go-to. They have the most unique and interesting pieces that will make your home stand out.
What are your go-to beauty products?
During the summer I love wearing Cologne Indélébile by Frédéric Malle. La Bouche Rouge lipsticks have just the right pop of color and are great for feeling good about yourself, as it is completely sustainable. Cicalfate by Avene is a miracle cream, great for scarring, especially when you’re bumping into furniture chasing after a little one, like my son Marcel!
Boy Brow by Glossier is always in my purse as I have very thick eyebrows. My favorite way to remove makeup is to use Eau Micellaire by Bioderma as I have very sensitive skin.
Sisley Face Exfoliator is now a permanent part of my morning cleansing routine. Living in the city, your skin runs the risk of dullness, and this exfoliator gives you a glow that I haven’t experienced with other products.
What’s next for The Webster and LHD?
There are so many exciting things happening at The Webster and with my own line, LHD. There’s the exclusive pre-launch of Leandra Medine + Man Repeller shoe line at The Webster NYC coming soon. We have an LHD pop-up at Le Bon Marche in Paris until the end of June, and we’ll be launching the LHD St. Tropez Collection in the coming weeks!
