Once-worn designer boutique dressed for success
A FORMER finance manager is turning the concept of second hand clothes on its head, with the aim to change people’s perception of preloved items as being “musty old cast-offs”.
The curator and owner of the upcoming Violet Store, Sara Shaw will be fashioning an old townhouse into the first once-worn designer luxury boutique in the heart of Harrogate next month.
Having been passionate about the fashion industry all her life, Sara will be hand-picking preloved designer items with everything from vintage coats to faux fur scarves, in keeping with the season’s trends.
She will also be providing wardrobe detoxing sessions, an instore personal shopping service, recommendations and a range of unique accessories from Young British Designers.
She said: “There are some real treasures out there that you can mix in your wardrobe. The shop will give people access to brands and designers that they might not normally be able to afford to buy.
“People are time-poor and I think women want to shop in a luxury environment and have the same shopping experience as if they were going to a luxury boutique you know or a premium department store.”
As well as offering the modern woman a luxury shopping experience and range of unique designer items, Sara will be creating a label of her own customised designer clothes such as modified Levis, sweatshirts, environmentally friendly bags and neckerchiefs made from haute couture catwalk fabrics.
She said: “I want to build a brand so you’ll know they come from me, even though each pair is unique you’ll know they’re from Violet. But they’ll all be limited edition so once they’re gone they’re gone!”
Sara’s brand will be supporting Harrogate Homeless charity too, with a donation being made for every item of clothing that’s purchased from her collection. Sara is already anticipating success and plans to build a brand and then expand into North Leeds and Manchester.
