Anavaa Kisasa goes beyond affordable fashion fare. In addition to owner Zulema George’s own line of smart, high quality, leather handbags, she helps promote young up-and-coming designers, locally- and internationally-based, including many emerging Caribbean designers, by introducing their work in her boutique on Metropolitan Ave, (just off of the Lorimer stop on the L train). A handful of those burgeoning designers’ works were recently profiled during fashion week held last month by independent label support organization Nolcha.
In fact, Nolcha tapped Anavaa Kisasa to be a “retail incubator” to help young designers gain footing in the fashion market, a cornerstone of George’s philosophy behind Anavaa Kisasa.
Among the better-selling labels at the store include UNDFND, Ally Marie Couture Jewelry and leather-goods line Jypsea, alongside George’s own handbag line. George’s 2010 collection got some good exposure Oct. 7 at the Bagtrends Arm Candy party, which served double-duty as a US launch party for her season of bags which were first unveiled in Toronto, a week earlier.
“We get people from all walks here,” says sales associate Tiffiny E. Dixon of the store’s clientele, “from straight-up corporate lifers to band members to photographers. People enjoy quality that’s not breaking the bank.”
Community outreach is important to George. The boutique sponsored a team for last Sunday’s American Cancer Society, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk, in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park. George, who’s taken part in several of them, notes the prevalence of breast cancer affecting so many women including among her own circle of loved ones.
Anyone wishing to join Anavaa Kisasa’s fashion cause should visit the store’s website at theAKstyle.com. While you’re there, check out her bag collection, and also keep up with her upcoming events, including the AprilMarin trunk show on Oct 29.
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