John Mahdessian is widely recognized as the president of Madame Paulette, the world’s leading custom couture cleaner. He transformed a third-generation family business into a global enterprise.
Early Life and Heritage
John Mahdessian inherited not only a business but also a rich heritage. His grandfather, a survivor of the Armenian genocide, instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep appreciation for family. Mahdessian recalls stories of his grandfather's hardships, including working from a young age and wearing newspapers as shoes due to poverty. This legacy of sacrifice and perseverance has motivated Mahdessian throughout his life. "My family sacrificed everything to get us where we are today, and that is something that I never take for granted," he explains.
The Evolution of Madame Paulette
Madame Paulette has been the most excellent custom couture cleaners in New York City since 1959. The company was founded by John Mahdessian’s great uncle to honor his wife, French Courtier Madame Paulette. To maintain her couture pieces, the great uncle would travel to Paris, France for exclusive cleaning and restoration services.
From Family Business to Global Enterprise
Mahdessian’s great uncle founded Madame Paulette in the 1950s after emigrating from Cyprus and marrying a French woman, who lent her name to the business. Mahdessian's father, Noubar Mahdessian, began working for his uncle and attending classes at New York University. When his uncle fell ill, Noubar took over the business full-time, supporting his uncle's family, his mother, his sister, and his new wife. Despite setbacks, including a fire that destroyed part of the store, Noubar remained committed to the business.
John inherited his father’s dedication to hard work. As a child, he assembled wire hangers and tissue for pennies, and in high school, he sold items at flea markets. By college, he was selling real estate. After graduating from college, Mahdessian secured a job in investment banking. However, he decided to help his father for a month before starting his career. Seeing his father's dedication, he felt obligated to continue the family business.
Read also: Judy Garland's Struggles
Pioneering New Techniques
Mahdessian explains that Madame Paulette has achieved renown due to its pioneering of new cleaning techniques and processes. He recalls an early project involving a hundred dresses damaged in a flood. Mahdessian spent over a year taking apart each garment, testing fabrics with different solutions, and re-stitching each dress by hand, saving 90 of the 100 pieces.
Today, Madame Paulette is a nationwide brand known for couture cleaning and restoration, designer apparel care, and interior cleaning. The company handles couture garments, employing advanced techniques to restore and salvage collections. Services include bridal, vintage and couture, designer apparel, leather, suede plus fur maintenance, interior cleaning, restoration, as well as, accessories and other specialized services.
Services Offered
Madame Paulette offers a wide array of services, including:
- Couture Cleaning and Restoration: Madame Paulette is known for its expertise in cleaning and restoring couture garments.
- Bridal Services: The company is the exclusive bridal specialist for designers including Vera Wang, Reem Acra, Carolina Herrera, and Oscar de la Renta, offering alterations, cleaning, and preservation of wedding dresses.
- Interior Cleaning & Restoration: Madame Paulette provides premium quality cleaning for custom interior textiles and home furnishings.
- Accessory Restoration: Restoring handbags and refurbishing vintage dresses have become popular services.
The Boutique Experience
Mahdessian opened a posh boutique on 2nd Avenue between 65th and 66th Streets, in a landmark building where Grace Kelley lived. The boutique features custom furniture, chandeliers, and fabrics, with Taittinger champagne served to visitors. The dressing rooms have lighting features that can be adjusted for day, evening, or night events, and a black light to inspect garments for stains.
Mahdessian's Personal Life
Looking toward the future, Mahdessian desires to marry an Armenian woman to pass on his heritage.
Read also: Inside John Stamos' Fitness Regime
"Dry Cleaner to the Stars"
John seems to be connected to nearly everyone who is anyone in New York City. He has worked for Anna Wintour, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Alicia Keyes. He also helped to dress Melania Trump on her wedding day. One of his clients was Meryl Streep.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Mahdessian is involved in charity events for organizations such as the New York Junior League, the Denise Richards Foundation, The American Heart Association and the American Liver Foundation, donating his services and stain removal kits.
Madame Paulette's Professional Stain Removal Kit
Mahdessian has adapted Madame Paulette’s patented process and proprietary formula into a Professional Stain Removal Kit for jet-setting clients. The eco-friendly formula cleans elegant apparel and textiles. The kit includes instructions for removing earth, protein, and oil stains, using an absorbing cloth and a specialized formula.
John Mahdessian on Reality TV
John Mahdessian is known for his appearances on The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY). He has been on the show due to his relationship with Dorinda Medley.
Read also: John Rhys-Davies' Health Secrets
tags: #john #mahdessian #weight #loss