2012: Dear Max Martinez, A great dress at a time of expected, but heartbreaking loss

Dear Max,

I regret it has been years since I’ve seen you in either your Denver or Aspen store.  I’ve always loved your beautifully and thoughtfully curated collections of clothes and your much broader spirit of generosity to give back and serve.

One very difficult and un-planned stop to Denver in 2012 was the week I was called home to share the last few days of my dear father’s life.  I arrived from a business trip with not much to wear and nothing to put on for the day I would stand up to celebrate is well lived life.  

We were lucky to have been part of his 93-year-old life, but heartbroken to say goodbye.  As family’s do, you push past your grief to choreograph a memorial service – equally numb and determined to do right by his legacy.

You and your associates were so kind when I showed up a bit broken, but hopeful that a great dress would help steady my nerves to help my family and his many friends and fans to say good-bye.

I had that dress until this past spring when it was time to downsize.  I always put it on with a smile and the memory of my afternoon at Max when I turned the corner from mess to put together for an important moment he so deserved.

Thank you so much for your huge heart and impeccable taste that goes way beyond great clothes.

Gratefully,

Ann Simonds

aka Annie Hoagland