In this rough economy, it's a big deal for a business to survive one year, much less five.
So Raleigh's Vermillion boutique is celebrating its fifth anniversary in a big way this month.
The store is offering two major lines, Matthew Williamson and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson's The Row, and it will host a Lela Rose trunk show this week.
Williamson is a British designer whose collections often have an Indian influence, likely because of his time working in India for the clothing company Monsoon.
Fashion-conscious celebrities Sienna Miller and Jade Jagger favor the line, which feels like a good fit for Vermillion, owner Ashley Harris said.
"Matthew Williamson has always looked very Southern to me: bright, beautiful colors with amazing prints ranging from very feminine to bohemian," Harris says. "And it has a vintage feel, which I personally love."
The Olson twins have made The Row's high-end basics less about their celebrity and more about fashion-forward design, Harris said.
"At a time when women are wanting to spruce up their everyday clothing, The Row offers a sophisticated way to do so," says Harris. "For example, pairing cotton dresses with an elegant trench, or skinny pants with a tailored blazer."
On Thursday, Vermillion hosts a Lela Rose trunk show with the entire fall collection. The wedding and ready-to-wear designer's collection includes cocktail dresses and sparkly evening attire in blues and greens.
The trunk show is 10 a.m.-6 p.m. by appointment only.
Vermillion is at 4321-102 Lassiter at North Hills Ave., Raleigh. 787-9780, www.vermillionstyle.com
Uniquities branches out
The Uniquities empire grows this week with the opening of a Durham location. This fourth store, in addition to two in Raleigh and one in Chapel Hill, opens Wednesday at 1000 W. Main St., across from Brightleaf Square.
The 1,200-square-foot store will carry brands including Burberry, Diane von Furstenberg and D&G. The grand opening event will be in mid-April. www.uniquities.com
New at Macy's
Local Macy's stores are adding new labels this spring. Menswear line Threads & Heirs, designed in part by cult fashion house Ruffian, will be in stores this month. The collection, targeted at 20- to 40-something males, includes tops and jackets for $49 to $99.
Known for her outrageous celebrity lifestyle and as the creative force of Baby Phat, Kimora Lee Simmons launches Kouture by Kimora at 150 Macy's stores this spring, including the Triangle locations. Geared to juniors, the line includes retro jackets, off-the-shoulder blouses, rompers and dresses in vivid colors and prints. Priced at $24 to $40, it comes to Crabtree Valley in May.
Until April 6, Macy's will give shoppers a chance at a $500 gift card daily with its online Fashion Director. Using the site's tools, customers can create outfits for fashion challenges. Completed entries will be voted on daily by the public to determine the day's winner.
Details, www.macys.com/fashiondirector.
Prom dresses needed
Meredith College's Fashion Association is collecting gently used, modern formalwear for high school girls who cannot afford gowns for their proms. The dresses will be given out March 27-28 at North Hills mall.
Tax-deductible dress donations (less than five years old, please!) can be brought to Room 204 at Martin Hall 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through March 25. Contact Diane Ellis at ellisd@meredith.edu or 760-8412.
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