Welcome to Threadlines
Welcome back to Threadlines, our monthly spotlight on the remarkable individuals who embody the spirit of Mansawear. In this issue, we proudly celebrate Elaine Spaull, the Advocate's Avocat. A trained lawyer, Elaine truly lives up to her title, representing her community with unwavering dedication.
The Avocat Advocate
They say some people find their calling, but for Elaine, the calling is in the name. A trained lawyer, she embodies the title used across Romance languages: the Avocat. She is the Advocate’s Advocate—a woman who operates with professional precision and deeply personal passion. Whether in a courtroom, a council chamber, or the community, Elaine doesn’t just represent her people; she fights for them.
A Grand Entrance: How We Met
Elaine is not just an advocate; she is a politician who genuinely listens to her constituents. Since Mansawear's grand opening on February 28, 2014, she has been an underground ambassador for our brand. Just three days after I opened our doors, Elaine, then serving as the representative for East District on Rochester City Council, visited to welcome us to her district. Her first words after purchasing a Cheo Ana jacket were, “Have you had a grand opening yet?” She wasn’t just there to browse; she was there to ensure a new small business owner in her district was set up for success. Before I knew it, Elaine had mobilized Rochester City Hall. With a press release and a flurry of support, she brought News 10 NBC to our doorstep to cover the event.
In a delightful twist of fate, I later discovered that Elaine's nephew, Evan, was my next-door neighbor, and her brother and sister-in-law are fellow parishioners. Regardless of our connections, Elaine would have advocated for me with the same passion and commitment.
A Legacy of Fashion and Philanthropy
Elaine’s impact on Rochester is immeasurable. As a co-producer of Fashion Week of Rochester (FWR) and the CEO of the Center for Youth, she has bridged the world of style with life-saving advocacy.
The Center for Youth provides a sanctuary for young people in crisis—offering everything from emergency shelter and transitional housing to crisis nursery services. In the 16 years since FWR’s inception, the event has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars a and kept shelters open and supported new sites as well. Mansawear has been a proud fixture on that runway for 12 of those years, standing side-by-side with Elaine’s vision.
A Mother to Many
To Elaine, family isn't just about blood; it’s about the heart. Whether she is with her biological family or the children at The Center for Youth and the babies at the Crisis Nursery, she is "Mom," Mommer," "Miss Elaine" and "Gigi" to all. Her warmth envelopes everyone she meets, providing a safety net for those who need it most.
Let’s Celebrate the Avocat Advocate
An Advocate by trade, an Avocat by heart, Elaine doesn’t just represent her constituents; she lives up to the etymology of the Romance 'Avocat'—advocating with professional precision and personal passion.
Shop Elaine’s Favorites
Celebrate the Avocat by exploring the styles she loves. From the popular Cheo Ana Jacket to the Abuk Jacket to our timeless made-to-measure pieces, shop the collection designed for the woman who leads with elegance and acts with courage.
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