Known for her needle- in-a-haystack approach to finding unusual accessories and garments at fashion trade shows and showrooms in the US and in Europe, Schneider discovered many designers including Jean Charles de Castelbejac, Jean Paul Gaultier, Norma Kamali, Emanuel Kahn, Byblos, Issey Miyake, Irene Van Ryb and handbag designer Carlos Falchi, long before they became bold-faced names among the fashion-forward.
Unlike her competitors, whose stores have disappeared, Schneider credits her success and longevity to her fashion philosophy: “I have a critical nature-- honing in on the details of each individual item --from the cut of a fabulous pair of pants to the details of our stunning sweaters, something which the stores have become known for.” This philosophy is what sparked the interest of the Associated Press, which recently quoted Nancy is one of its syndicated articles. Nancy’s mission and vision is to help New York City women dress age appropriately—fashionable, but with Big Apple edge. To that end, she has incorporated some of the boldest, new and up and coming designers into Nancy & Co. including Hache, Abbott, Malene Birger, James Coviello, and Geren Ford.
Queens-born Schneider never intended to pursue a career in fashion. But while shopping in Henry Lehr’s store in London, Schneider struck up a conversation with him about fashion, impressing him with her knowledge of the industry and her taste for unusual items. Later, Schneider and Lehr formed a partnership and together opened Cordoba in New York’s Upper East Side in 1968. The store, known for its high-quality leather goods, was frequented by many celebrities, notably Jackie Onassis, who purchased a pair of leather hot pants which was on the front page of the Daily News.
With a good head for business and an instinctive knack for fashion retail, it came as no surprise when Schneider ventured on her own in 1973 and opened Nancy & Co’s first Manhattan location. As her business grew and became more successful, Schneider expanded to Long Island with boutiques in Southampton and Easthampton.
Schneider has made her employees her adopted family and in contrast to other boutiques where high turnover is the norm, Nancy & Co’s manager and others have stayed with her for more than 30 years! Click the link at the left to learn more about Nancy’s staff of stylists.
Meanwhile, Nancy’s quest in finding that special garment or one-of-a-kind accessory that adds panache to an outfit will continue as she walks the long corridors of industry trade shows across the country and visits designer showrooms around the world.