Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos provided by Saved by Zero.
This week’s Meet a Mom feature is with Ali Pearlman, a stylish local entrepreneur bringing a unique concept to our community. After decades working in the fashion industry, she opened Saved by Zero, a high-end vintage and secondhand shop in Harrison focused on sustainability, individuality, and great style. We spoke with Ali about her fashion background, what inspired the shop, and why she wanted to bring something cool to town.
Let’s start with you. Where are you originally from, where do you live now, and can you tell us a little about your family, how many kids you have and their ages?
I grew up in Los Angeles in a Hollywood household. Lots of glimmer and glamour. I was a vintage-fashion lover and wore some bold stuff. I was running with an older crowd and was terribly immature, but I had kick-ass style so they let me in! I currently reside in Harrison with my hubbie, a facial plastic surgeon, and our handsome Bernedoodle who needs no work whatsoever. Our twin 18-year-old girls are away at college.
Before opening Saved by Zero, what did your career path look like? Was retail or fashion always part of the plan, or did this come later?
I’ve done so many jobs in the fashion industry: styling, reporting, working for designers, studio assistant, modeling, copywriting, photographer’s assistant, PR, magazine lackey, retail, a Bravo TV episode. Best gigs? My fashion-advice column in the New York Daily News, and four years in show production at NY Fashion Week at Bryant Park “under the tents.”
What inspired you to open Saved by Zero? Was there a moment when you realized there was a need for a high-end secondhand and vintage shop like this in our community?
When my girls were juniors in high school I started queueing up ideas about my Third (!) Act. I knew I needed a job to give me purpose and to stay engaged. Suburban life can be lonely if you don’t have a place to shine your light outside your family. And I’ve seen friendships come and go, too. The idea for the shop was a fated progression (35 years in the making) and I went from concept to open doors in 5 months. People ask me why I didn’t open in Rye or Scarsdale, basically anywhere more happening than Harrison. My response was simple. I wanted to bring something cool to my town. It’s not a job. It’s a labor of love.
The name Saved by Zero is so unique. Where does the name come from?
A Vietnamese artist friend who lives in Belgium came up with the name! It hit me exactly in the right spot! “Zero” is a reference to zero waste and the premise of the business is sustainability and circular fashion. Pre-loved designer vintage is soulful and so well made. As a personal stylist I get to help anyone who wants guidance on how to wear it.
For someone walking into the shop for the first time, what kinds of pieces will they find? How would you describe the overall vibe and aesthetic?
I carry Gucci, LV, Prada, Comme des Garçons, Stella McCartney, Versace, Gaultier, Fendi, Loewe, Hermès, Chanel…all the luxury brands are on rotation. I also have jewelry and accessories, vintage ephemera and curios—It’s Retro-land at Saved by Zero! I’ve had octogenarians come in, peruse, and find something cute to buy. “We’ll come back cuz this was such a hoot,” they say. The aesthetic is curated covetable art pieces from the world over, great music (thank you, Spotify), a warm and safe space. There’s really good energy in my shop. I just want customers to find something they love and be happy.
You’re clearly very thoughtful about what you carry. How do you source your pieces, and what makes something a “yes” for the store?
I am a junkie for online auctions and costume houses. Also, my husband lectures around the world and I am his Plus One, so I shop for my shop. We were just in South Africa and I brought back some one-of-a-kind pieces. A “yes” for my shop means 1) excellent condition; 2) impossible to find elsewhere; 3) appropriate for men or women ages thirteen to ninety. Character and individuality are present in everything I sell.
High-end secondhand can feel intimidating for some shoppers. What do price points typically look like, and what would you say to someone who’s new to shopping vintage or resale?
The feeling in my shop is chill and inclusive. I’m not down with exclusive—I did that growing up in Beverly Hills. My prices are ridiculously low for the quality and provenance of the merch. One friend, my “I’ll-never-wear-secondhand” friend, had to be talked off the ledge. I got her to try on some easy (and clean!!) Vince and Theory stuff. It was her comfort zone so I had to stay in her lane. She was psyched to find familiar brands for a fraction of the typical price and do her part for the environment by keeping fashion circular. Prices range from $35-$1500.
What have been the most rewarding and challenging parts of opening your business?
Hands down, the biggest reward is the joy people get hanging out in my shop. It’s retro lane up in there with something for everyone. I also love styling customers who are unfamiliar with stretching their clothing imagination—people who are willing to have some fun and be turned onto a new look, fit, or decade. My biggest challenge is that I am a one-woman-show. I wear all the hats. I’m not great at social media either, so it’s hard to get people to know that the shop exists. I’m located on a quiet corner in Harrison.
We love supporting local. Where are your favorite places to spend time with your family, fit in some self-care, or enjoy a great meal?
Now that our girls have flown the coop, our life has simplified. I also work Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, so that puts a crimp in my weekend partying. We love The Alamo for eclectic movies and bottomless popcorn; Gus’s for lobster (talk about a retro vibe!), and we order sushi from Hajime in Harrison. I always get the salmon sashimi. I’m so boring.
Boring? We don’t think so. Between Ali’s incredible background, fun personality and Saved by Zero bringing such a cool vintage vibe to town, we’d say the opposite! Stop by 84 Calvert Street in Harrison to check out Saved by Zero and follow along on Instagram!
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in Westchester? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!