Business Ins & Outs: Martin’s Tavern, Clair V., Marine Layer
By • February 26, 2024 One Comment 1976
This article has been updated.
In: Clare V. Opening Party
On Feb. 22, Clare V.’s new Georgetown store at 1238 Wisconsin Ave NW held an opening party in the space that once held (decades ago) Billy Martin’s Carriage House and Tramps Discotheque. Founded by Clare Vivier, Clare V. is a handbag, clothing and accessories brand based in Los Angeles. Guided by her desire to create a range of chic and functional accessories and inspired by her time living in France, Vivier launched her namesake brand in 2008.
Partygoer and customer customer Arienne Thompson has owner and author Clare Vivier autograph her book at the Georgetown store. Photo by Bill Starrels.
Nancy Meakem, co-host Jennifer Tapper and store manager Lianne Farbes. Photo by Bill Starrels.
At least 100 shoppers, fans and friends greeted hosts Clare Vivier, Sarah Cannova and Jennifer Tapper for the lively event, catered by Peacock Cafe. With the Clare V. vibe for chic, fun and vintage, it seems appropriate that the store’s space once vibrated to the beats of Michael O’Harro’s legendary disco.
In: Christopher Boutlier Interiors
Interior designer Christopher Boutlier recently moved to Georgetown — both his residence and his interior design business. His interior design and art consultancy firm is at 3214 O St. NW. The business tells us: “Christopher Boutlier Interiors is a firm of versatile and artistic designers whose aim is to embrace a home’s proportions, opening exciting sightlines that are offset by sumptuous and beautifully curated pieces. Christopher’s interiors are sleek, comfortable, and often minimal, where every object is placed with an artist’s eye for maximum visual impact amidst restful palettes. His homes are graceful, uncluttered sanctuaries amidst the bustle of daily life and when his clients come home, they know they are in a place uniquely reflective of their lifestyles and personalities.”
Out (Temporarily): Martin’s Tavern
Martin’s Tavern is under renovation until March 12. Georgetowner photo.
If you saw furniture and picture frames being lugged out of Martin’s Tavern on Feb. 26 and were taken aback, relax — it’s just renovations. Georgetown’s 90-year-old iconic restaurant will be closed until March 18. It plans to reopen March 19.
Plans call for a completely new kitchen, owner Billy Martin told The Georgetowner, along with a redone floor, refurnished booths and new tables and chairs. While Martin’s looked odd stripped of its artwork and cozy wooden furnishings, it will soon open looking bright and refreshed for spring.
Out (Moving): Marine Layer
Marine Layer, a San Francisco clothing store named for an air mass that forms over water (such as San Francisco Bay) due to a temperature inversion, has departed 3242 M St. NW. The business adds: “New location coming soon!”
Out: Storie Collective
Founded by Sara Swabb in 2020, Storie Collective is “a full service interior design firm based in Georgetown, Washington, D.C., although we serve clients nationwide.” Last month, Swabb closed her shop at 1506 Wisconsin Ave. NW.
“Storie has decided to close its Wisconsin Avenue retail location to focus more closely on our design projects,” she told clients. “We are so grateful for the support of our community these past two years — thank you!”
Out: High Road Cycling
The sign on the door reads: “Closed indefinitely for renovation.” High Road Cycling — the high-end cycling shop and cafe across from Chaia at 3210 Grace St. NW — is shuttered. We will update when more details are available.
What are the recent developments regarding Martin’s Tavern, Clair V., and Marine Layer as discussed in the article “Business Ins & Outs”?