Local Hotel Spotlights Affordable Luxury for Men [Update]

[Editor's Note: This article has been edited to reflect the correct owner of the Spyder Roadster bike.]

Last Thursday, hosted an evening that was part swanky after-work cocktail party, and part expo of all things luxurious and surprisingly affordable. For Mia Schipani, Vice President of Business Development at Hotel Zero Degrees, the event was also a reunion.

Schipani and designer Salvatore Giardina worked together years ago in the fashion industry.

“The two of us brought this together,” Schipani said.

“No, you did,” Giardina said.

“But you inspired me,” Schipani replied. “There’s a new demand, men are more interested in looking their best.”

Giardina has launched a line of made to measure suits, available at . He is also an Adjunct Professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology.

“Men have to do a little more research — they do a lot of research in sports, you take the effort that it takes to analyze scores and start analyzing how your clothes are made,” Giardina said. “You do research when you’re buying a big screen TV or a car, look at fashion the same way.”

For Giardina, quality pieces are worth the extra attention to detail. What he doesn't spend on advertising, he spends on quality fabrics and exceptional design.

“People say “I don’t know who you are, but I like the garments!”” Giardina laughed.

For someone as dedicated to creating quality garments as Giardina, this may be the ultimate compliment.

Moving around the room, other local and regional companies were represented — each happy to discuss their unique perspective on finding affordable luxury. Outside, Mercedes-Benz of Greenwich had brought a few of their more affordable cars, while Stamford Motor Sports brought Spyder Roadster bike that gets 40 miles per gallon and can go out on the highway.

The website Luxury Link, represented by James Murray at the party, is able to offer 60-70% off many luxury travel packages, including the hotel stay, car service, and many extras along the way. They have also been able to find many undiscovered vacation spots and bring them to the public at great discounts. One of Murray’s favorite finds is fairly close to home.

“Winvian [in Litchfield Hills, Connecticut]. You can stay inside a helicopter or a tank," he said.

Luxury Link Travel is offering $100 off any travel package with the coupon code “PROMEN100.”

Former NY Knicks star John Starks was happy to share his expertise and discuss his new business — the Stamford Cigar Lounge.  Starks' line of cigars include something for everyone, ranging from a mild cigar for "beginners" to options to please the most demanding connoisseur.

“It brings people together to network, do business, people of all classes and all backgrounds, it just brings guys together,” Starks said.

Robert LaRosa, head golf professional at Sterling Farms Golf Course was available to talk about the 's TrackMan Pro technology, some of the best technology available for golfers. Used by the world's best players, TrackMan Pro uses a Doppler radar to map and measure the golf ball's flight.

"It takes it to the next level," LaRosa said. "People are getting that same custom fit as the pros."

Hotel Zero Degrees hosts many events throughout the year and this one received a huge response from the community. Close to 100 people attended and there is considerable interest for similar events in the future, programs geared towards young professionals and spotlighting some of the best of Fairfield County at a price that's within reach.

“We like to bring people together…the value in that is that it brings people back,” Schipani said. "Scotch, golf, cigars, travel, and menswear, all of our partners came with some unique offerings...it's great to get everyone in one place."