Name: Cory Ingram
Profession: CCO + Principal at Identity Atelier
Age: 36
Location: Brooklyn, NY & Los Angeles, Calif.
What are three things you wish people knew about you?
1. That I lie about my age.
2. I’m a thrill seeker. I’ll try anything once within reason, whether it’s adventure through food, business, relationships or love.
3. I’m a huge lover of boy toys — totally obsessed with bikes, motorcycles, cars, boats. Anything that gets my adrenaline pumping.
What is your favorite thing to splurge on?
Friends. I love buying gifts, especially when they are unexpected. In my mind, everyone deserves the best.
What is the best gift you’ve ever received, and who was it from?
A gift that I hold close to my heart from a person I hold even closer — a vintage grand voyage bag from Hermès. The bag is a perfect example of my style: classic, excellent craftsmanship, timeless, quality…not to mention, it’s worn to perfection.
When traveling, what do you never leave home without?
A swimsuit and a neck piece. The reality is you never know when you’re going to be invited for a swim, a sauna, or an impromptu event or cocktail party. You can never be too prepared or too sensible.
Describe the perfect weekend in your favorite destination.
It would be Charleston. It’s only an hour flight from New York City on JetBlue, and it’s an impeccable city. Timeless for its culture, music, and character — and an anomaly when it comes to nature. There are beautiful plantation landscapes juxtaposed with beaches and palm trees. It feels like my home away from home. I love to meet up with friends for a a low-country brunch, a relaxed day of shopping, and everything from there just slows down. For me, being able to unwind at a pace where time stands still is the ultimate weekend.
What makes someone a local in this Charleston?
Personal style. You can spot a Charlestonian right away by the way that they dress. No matter the temperature outside, they are properly buttoned up: seersucker from head to toe, straw hats, bow ties, and the shiniest penny loafers you’ve ever seen. It’s adorable.
Where is the most unique shopping experience?
I’m obsessed with antiques. Growing up in the south, procuring antiques for my grandmothers home was a favorite hobby of mine. So I love to visit all of the antique stores on King, especially Parham & Co. and South of Market. These stores are quintessential in defining the culture of Charleston. However, I must also tease that I’m in the process of opening and curating a new retail concept for the Restoration hotel called the Port Mercantile. It’s exciting to layer into the footprint of the Charleston retail landscape and our hotel amenities.
If you had to give a visitor one keepsake from the destination, what would it be?
A hand-made brick. We’re using them around the parameters of the lobby at the Restoration, and they’re a real, classic staple to the history of Charleston. It’s a totally authentic and rare gift, and can be very practical too. (Well, as practical as a hand-made brick can be.)
