Passion for fashion sees young entrepreneur grow clothing empire

A FASHION store which aims to promote some of Yorkshire’s best designers is the latest independent shop to open up at Leeds Corn Exchange.

The Hidden Wardrobe is the latest business venture for Leeds University graduate Emma Fountain.

The 26-year-old entrepreneur already runs an online version of the business and more recently started her own label The Kiss Principal, which is stocked by internet fashion giant Asos.

And it’s the success of that label that has helped fund the new store. Up to 20 different independent designers will be stocked at The Hidden Wardrobe many of whom are from Yorkshire including Bradford-based Trout and Pout. Prices will vary from £20 to £200.

Ms Fountain said: “The success with Asos has been unbelievable and while I’m delighted to supply online, my real dream has always been to open my own shop and there is really nowhere else in the country I would rather be than Leeds Corn Exchange.”

“I love everything about independent fashion so I have buily my whole business venture around this principle.”

Hidden Wardrobe is the first of a number of retailers that will open in Leeds Corn Exchange over the coming months.

Keith Butcher, asset manager at Threadneedle Investments, which manages the site, said. “‘Piazza by Anthony’ is showing extremely successful trade over the last six months, we are now attracting other occupiers to the Corn Exchange.

“The Hidden Wardrobe is just one of a series of high quality retailers that we will be introducing to provide visitors with a more creative mix of occupiers for shopping and leisure.”