Connected Apparel was founded on the basis of connection; the connection between past and present, family and colleagues. We are the result of CEO Jay Balaban bridging the gap between his rich family history in the garment industry and his seasoned colleagues who are like his family too. When we say dresses are running through our DNA, we mean it.
The History
Over 70 years ago, Jay’s family began their journey in the business. His maternal grandmother was a sample maker and his paternal grandfather owned a textile company in New York City. Their respective trades were passed on to their children, Jay’s parents. Jay’s father, Eddie, worked for his father at the textile mill while his mother, Sobel, went to Parsons School of Design to became a dress designer. At some point in this story, Sobel and Eddie met, got married and ultimately passed down that garment industry gene to their son, Jay.
It wasn't until the mid 1960s when Jay’s story in the industry truly began. Eddie had retired from textiles and opened a women’s retail store called Teen Scene. Jay would help clean the stores, organize stock and drive merchandise between their three stores on Long Island. After closing Teen Scene in 1975, things get a little more complicated and paths begin to cross with Jay’s extended family (his colleagues) so we’ve laid things out in a timeline for you:
We’re so excited to have you here with us! Now that you know a little more about Connected Apparel, are you ready to start exploring? Browse our dresses and jumpsuits and stay tuned for more style tips and surprises.
I jave not looked at your dresses and jumpsuits yet.Looking forward to looking at what you offer. I lost 110 pounds through gastric bypass and need to get new clothes. Can’t wait to start looking!!! I have family on Long Island(Amangansett and East Hampton)
Beautiful line, and awesome to see😘
I am looking for a dress that Macy’s carried but did not have my size: Black and mustard yellow rose patterned MAXI. Size 12 or even a 14. Please let me know if you have one!
I’d like to know if you plan to stock the Kennedy Little Black Dress in petite sizes in the near future.
I am so happy to have discovered connected apparel. I ordered two Grace sequin dresses, one in charcoal and one in lavender, for my sons wedding. They are so beautiful and comfortable and so flattering. I’ve decided to keep both dresses because the price is so affordable. I know that I will enjoy them both for years to come because of the their classic design.
Thank you so much and I am sure I will own more than a few of your beautiful dresses.