Meet Fashion Plate Chloe Binetti | Savannah Magazine

The spirited and an infectiously optimistic Madison & 5th owner and mom shares a glimpse into her busy social calendar.

Written by CATIE MCCOY
Photography by MIKE SCHALK

EVEN IN A CITY SATURATED with lively locals and compelling creatives, Chloe Binetti stands out in a crowded room. Maybe it’s her megawatt smile, or maybe it’s her impeccable style. There’s also the contagious enthusiasm and vigor she brings to the table — arguably her most admirable accessory.

A self-described “mompreneur,” Binetti opened the luxury resale boutique Madison & 5th in the Downtown Design District in 2023. A year later, she has already moved her shop into a prime new spot on Whitaker Street — with merchandised windows full of head-turning styles from Prada, Gucci, Chanel and more — that is impossible to miss among passersby.

However, the New Yorker-turned-Savannahian behind the glass offers more than meets the eye.  

With an impressively diverse résumé, Binetti has worked in corporate finance and nursing as well as fashion, including assisting the CEO of Rent the Runway. She is no stranger to tackling a jam-packed schedule — all while sporting a wardrobe even Miranda Priestly would approve of. 

Here, she shares a glimpse into her busy social calendar as a stylish shop owner. 

New York Minute

Accustomed to the fast pace of life in Manhattan, Binetti will be the first to tell you that she “thrives in chaos” and couldn’t be further from a type-A personality with a strict daily routine. 

Rather, her “chaos” begins every morning with a little caffeine. 

“Even as the proud owner of two espresso machines, I will typically find myself grabbing a coffee at Asher + Rye or Bardo,” Binetti says with a laugh. 

And while she may not be one for routine, there is no denying that Binetti has become a frequent flyer at Hotel Bardo. Understandably, as a founding club member who lives just steps away from Savannah’s newest hotel-meets-hot spot, Binetti takes full advantage of the club’s amenities from sun up to sun down, often beginning with breakfast and a quick workout in Bardo’s fitness center before taking on the day. 

Mom Mode

When she’s not spending the afternoon organizing her dapper collection of designer inventory, Binetti embarks on adventures big and small around the city with her son.

“As far as we can push the stroller, or he can ride his bicycle, is where we’re headed for the day,” she says. Sometimes, that’s the Georgia State Railroad Museum or Telfair Children’s Art Museum, with a stop at Wildflower Café for lunch. “I’m obsessed with their spicy peanut noodle or the soy-roasted mushroom bowl,” she adds.

On other days, it may be a trip to Forsyth Park or back to Bardo for a dip in the pool. “We love to make the most of exploring Savannah and all the beauty it has to offer any way we can.” 

Happiest Hours

Her vivaciousness doesn’t stop, even after a full day of balancing work and motherhood. 

While she loves socializing over the sunset and a cocktail at Peregrin or with a glass of wine at Artillery after a long day, she is equally as keen on throwing an impromptu dinner party with parents she happened to strike up a conversation with at her son’s school or cooking for a neighbor she ran into on her way home from work.

“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned throughout my life would be to show enthusiasm in the people you meet. It’s very simple and doesn’t cost you anything, but it means a lot.” 

— Chloe Binetti, owner of Madison & 5th

“What I love most about living in Savannah is the sense of community that you can’t find living in other cities. I make it a point to immerse myself in that community whenever and wherever I can,” Binetti says. “One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned throughout my life would be to show enthusiasm in the people you meet. It’s very simple and doesn’t cost you anything, but it means a lot.” 

On nights when Binetti finds herself more in the mood to immerse herself in the city’s notable Southern cuisine, she’s usually headed for a good comfort meal at Common Thread or The Supper Club at Flora and Fauna.

Her favorite way to end the evening? Taking a stroll around the park or meeting friends for a quick nightcap at Savoy Society. Either way, there is no question that Binetti is taking full advantage of any opportunity she has to soak up just a little more of Savannah before winding down. “I am constantly saying yes to anything that comes my way — big or small —  whether that be sharing an evening with a new friend I’ve made earlier that day or navigating a new job in a new city,” Binetti adds. “I always say I am exactly where I need to be.” 

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Find this feature and so much more – including our annual Look Book – in the November/December issue of Savannah magazine.