About Michael Hayes Newport
The Origin Story
In 1983, Michael Hayes opened a store unlike any other in the heart of Newport, Rhode Island — a full-service specialty destination on renowned Bellevue Avenue built on a simple but enduring belief: that great clothing means nothing without trust, relationships, and service.
"My father opened Michael Hayes when he was just 34, with the belief that great clothing meant nothing without trust, relationships, and service. He didn't just build a store — he built a place people returned to year after year."
— Max Hayes
From the beginning, Michael focused less on fleeting trends and more on timeless style, craftsmanship, and understanding his clientele — often dressing multiple generations within the same family. “My father has also always believed this business should be fun,” says Max. “That sense of joy and personality is part of what keeps people coming back.”
Then & Now
Michael Hayes at the original storefront, and Max Hayes recreating the moment decades later.
The Next Chapter
More than four decades later, that philosophy carries forward under the leadership of Max Hayes and his wife, Hailey Hayes. After years in New York City, Max and Hailey returned to Newport to carry on what Michael built — bringing fresh perspective while remaining firmly anchored in his original vision.
"Taking over hasn't been about reinventing the wheel — it's been about building on what my dad created and adding our own touch. My wife Hailey stepped in to lead our women's buying, marketing, and merchandising, and she's brought such great energy to it."
— Max Hayes
Meet Hailey
Hailey Hayes brings both a trained eye and a genuine warmth to everything she touches at Michael Hayes Newport. Since joining the business, she has stepped into women’s buying, marketing, and merchandising — working alongside Patty Hayes, the store’s original buyer, to shape a women’s floor that feels both curated and accessible.
Her vision for the store is one of inclusion across generations. “Our store is designed for multiple generations to shop side by side,” she says. “We blend classic staples with of-the-moment trends so everyone can find something that feels uniquely their own.”
That energy — fresh, intentional, and rooted in a genuine love of style — is exactly what Max had in mind. “Hailey has brought such great energy to it,” he says simply.
The Collections
Women's
From denim to black tie, our women’s collections are curated with an eye for artistry and wearability. Hailey works alongside Patty Hayes — the store’s buyer since its founding — to source designers that speak to every style and every occasion.
Current collections include Andrés Otálora, Blazé Milano, Dorothee Schumacher, Leo Lin, SIMKHAI, and Ulla Johnson, among others. Jewelry collections are also carried.
MEn's
Max oversees the men’s floor, where every selection is chosen for its craftsmanship, character, and staying power. On-site tailors are available for customization and alterations.
Current collections include Canali, Sartorio, Eton, Manto Italia, Peter Millar, Gran Sasso, Atelier Munro, Coppley, Emanuel Berg, Meyer, AG, Malcom, Stubbs & Wootton, and Rubirosa.
Loyalty, In Every Sense
Central to everything at Michael Hayes is a culture of loyalty that runs in every direction — among the team, the brands carried, and the community served.
"My dad is my best friend and my biggest influence. Several of our salespeople have been with us for more than 35 years — that kind of loyalty says a lot about the culture he built." — Max Hayes
The same integrity guides every brand partnership. Every label in the store has to earn its place — not just through product quality, but through shared values. And the experience itself is designed to feel warm and approachable: refined, but never intimidating.
Newport Isn't Just Where We Are — It's Who We Are
Being part of this community for over four decades has been both a gift and a responsibility, and that mindset still guides every decision we make.
At its core, Michael Hayes remains what it has always been: a place where style, service, and relationships intersect.
"At the end of the day, it's still about great clothing and great people. My dad started something really special, and Hailey and I feel lucky to carry it forward."
— Max Hayes
VISIT MICHAEL HAYES NEWPORT
Shop in-store on Bellevue Avenue for the full MHN experience — new designer arrivals, seasonal styling, and expert tailoring under one roof. Prefer privacy? Book an appointment and we’ll make it easy.