Anna Stewart Vian Billings, general manager of Anne Fontaine at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas

Falling for Fashion With Anne Fontaine

By Stacey Gualandi

“It’s all about the woman. We got to make sure she looks fabulous everywhere.”

Words to live … or should I say, shop by.

For Anna Stewart Vian Billings, general manager — aka “boutique boss babe” — of Anne Fontaine at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, her mantra is simple:

“Every time a woman comes in, we need to make a connection,” Billings says. “It is about making a connection that we can build on for years to come.”

I’ve witnessed this firsthand. As a client of Billings for several years, I always feel confident when I walk out of Anne Fontaine, most likely with a purchase in hand. She is a retail leader who is well-versed in luxury fashion, with an emphasis on charitable endeavors.

Right now, her philanthropic focus is on St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital’s annual gala “Taste of Viva St. Jude” on Sept. 26 at Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa. Billings returns as the event’s fashion chairperson, a role that is close to her heart.

“I think it’s because my little sister was born with a heart condition. Back in the ’60s when you were a blue baby, you weren’t given much time to live. Libby lived till she was 50,” Billings admits. “I remember the four or five different surgeries, oxygen tanks and all that craziness she went through when we were little.”

St. Jude’s raised more than a million dollars last year, but Billings is praying for at least $1.5 million this year.

“We’re up [in fundraising] so far, but my goal for every client who leaves this boutique is to know about St. Jude’s.”

She was quick to point out that this year’s gala is “all about sparkle,” which they have in abundance.

“Women need to be able to feel confidence anywhere they go, even if it’s not at a gala,” she says. “Let’s say they’re going in for an interview, they need to have that black jacket; a beautiful pair of black slacks; a great scarf; little earrings and a great heel. Then you’re ready for the interview.”

For fall, Billings says Anne Fontaine is definitely going big with burgundies and hunter greens, and she is always going “to have that masculine feel in her suits, but still have a feminine touch too.”

What better place to envision and enjoy the perfect ensemble than at Anne Fontaine? So, I asked Billings to take me through her top tips for retail success.

• It’s important to get your client inside the dressing room and that you’re in that dressing room with them. You need to find out what her comfort levels are too. You can’t be shy. You need to be able to see how things fit them. When that woman comes out of the dressing room, she should have her complete look. She should be dressed from head to toe.
• Belts are important. She needs to have a belt around the waist if it’s necessary. Women say, “Oh no, I’m too top heavy.” Nope. You see how top heavy I am. But you put the belt on and it makes your waist look smaller.
• A blouse that’s all lace should always have a camisole.
• You definitely need to have a white shirt. Anne is known for the iconic white shirt called the Christie. I always like to recommend it.
• I like to add on little scarves. If you’re having a bad hair day? Scarf in your hair. I’m done with the ponytails.
• When you have a big, bold earring that drops, you shouldn’t wear a necklace. If it’s a big, bold necklace, you should do a smaller earring.
• I like to be over the top. Not everybody’s in that comfort zone. I feel that you’re never overdressed. You could be underdressed, but you’re never overdressed.
• You don’t have to show everything. You can be classy and elegant and still be very sexy just by not having to show it all.
• Brooches are a big thing. Remember, you need to go into your grandma’s and your mom’s jewelry boxes.
• If you have one piece, you should be able to wear it three different ways.
• Always compliment your best assets.
• I think that it’s better to buy quality than quantity.
• A woman with a great handbag, a great pair of shoes and a nice jacket goes far.

No wonder Billings remains a fashionable force for good.

“Everything I’ve done for this company: the fashion shows; making connections with people; I’ve taught to others in this company and they’re successful with it as well.”

And she’ll never stop paying her philanthropic philosophy forward.

“If I were to leave this company today, I would like to know that St. Jude’s will always be a part of Anne Fontaine. That will be my legacy for sure.”

To learn more about St. Jude’s, go to stjude.org. (For boutique-based charity events, Anne Fontaine guarantees 10% back to the organizations.)