4@1 is one of a kind retailer

Carl and Susan Palmieri decided to return early from vacation this year to attend the opening party of 4@1, a new high-end retail clothing store on the Post Road, across from the Westport Post Office. Susan said that they didn't want to miss celebrating the opening of the business owned by Akram Enany and Seham Ibrahim.

"Whether it's linens, clothes or candles you are buying, there is a kindness and caring here that exceeds the norm," Susan said. "We had to be here to raise our glasses and toast this new business which will undoubtedly be a success."

For a decade, the Palmieris, who live in Fairfield, have followed Enany from South Norwalk, where he managed an upscale retail store, to the Westport business. They appreciate his fashion expertise as well as his personal appeal.

"We became friends just because we were his customers," Susan explained. "Akram is like that. He's very likeable. We've gotten to know him and his family well over the years and have often had dinners at each others homes."

Many of the guests at Wednesday's party shared similar sentiments. "I came tonight to wish them both well because they are such nice people," said another client.

An experienced clothing merchandiser and buyer, Enany traveled to shows in Europe to handpick clothing lines for his new business. "I was looking for something that has a good fashion look, and I like when something can be both dressy and casual," he said. Settling primarily on suppliers in France and Japan, Enany said that he is more impressed by the items' textures and the overall feel and quality of the fabric rather than its brand name. "I don't really carry any big brand names," he added.

This doesn't seem to bother his loyal customers, though. Even in this festive setting, clerks were busy ringing up sales as people were happily taking items off the racks in the spacious retail space.

As Enany walked around, graciously greeting family friends and guests, his 12-year-old son Mosslem explained the meaning of the store's name, 4@1. The "4" refers to the different types of markets the store caters to, Mosslem said. "There is clothing for women, men, kids and household linens all in one place here," he said.

Ibrahim, who has multiple roles as business owner, accountant and bookkeeper, also was responsible for all of the delicious Middle Eastern cuisine beautifully presented on tables throughout the store. Along with wine and champagne, guests enjoyed samples of fresh shrimp made with mango, babaganush, "kebba" (a traditional appetizer made with ground meat and bulgar), grape leaves, and a yogurt and cucumber dip. Assorted cheeses and a variety of tantalizing homemade sweet confections were also available. ("The lemon desserts are out of this world!" a party-goer was overheard saying.)

Many people commented that Ibrahim should open her own food business. "I would love to," she admitted. "First, however, I want to help my husband get this company off of the ground."

Mosslem Enany and his sister, Manar, 10, along with their friend, Alexa Sheiman, 7, modeled some of the store's line of children's clothing. Mosslem was wearing black jeans and a white tee shirt made of soft cotton fibers. Alexa, too, was clad in a "wrinkle wear" white blouse. Manar showed off a sleeveless summer dress in a vibrant shade of orange, accompanied by a matching hoodie jacket in two tones of orange.

"We've seen other clothing lines over the years with bright colors, but there is something exquisite about this line. The detail on the sleeves of Manar's jacket and the muted brocade on its zipper are special touches," said Catherine Hogan. The chief executive officer of Inclusion Teaming, a non-profit organization that brings young people together to learn about and support "community diversity," Hogan didn't let Wednesday night's severe thunderstorms deter her from attending the 4@1 party.

Along with clothing and household items, such as candles, soaps and fine linens, 4@1 also carries accessories.

Barbara Frumkin, owner and designer of Barbara's Beads, sold her jewelry in the store that previously occupied this Post Road site. She recently ran into Enany and learned that he had taken over the space. Within minutes, they decided that she should display her wares at 4@1, too.

As she tried on some earrings, Susan Palmieri said, "What a great party! This store is already an obvious success!"

4@1 is located at 141 Post Road East, Westport. For more information, call 203-222-0401 or e-mail akram@4atone.com.