Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/327657
CASUALCHIC FASHION BRAND MADEWELL is opening two new locations in its home state of Massachusetts, one in Dedham at Legacy Place (950 Providence Hwy.) and the other in Hingham at Derby Street Shoppes (98 Derby St.). "Madewell has always felt at home in Massachusetts," says design director Somsack Sikhounmuong. "After all, the brand was founded in New Bedford." Indeed, Madewell started manufacturing workwear 77 years ago, and though the brand has evolved into a trendsetter with more than 75 stores nationwide, it still stays true to its roots of functionality and fit, from cozy chambray shirts to perfectly fitting dresses. "Our heritage informs the spirit of the company and the clothes," says Sikhounmuong. "It's a nod to authenticity." madewell.com BC New Bedford Born MADEWELL RETURNS TO ITS ROOTS, LAUNCHING TWO NEW BOSTONAREA STORES. 60 Never Looked So Good Italian lingerie brand La Perla celebrates 60 years in the business. Sophia Loren was still a knockout at 60, and so is La Perla, the other impossibly sexy Italian export. Fou nded in Bologna as a corsetry company, it has blossomed into a lush lifestyle brand with more than 100 boutiques worldwide. Keeping with the house's four founding principles—artisanship, knowledge of the female form, the fusion of innovation and tradition, and a strong Italian identity—La Perla has earned legions of hopelessly devoted customers with its exquisite, lacy unmentionables. "La Perla's 60th anniversary is a time to celebrate the brand's unique craftsmanship and Italian heritage as the company continues to build upon these founding principles," says Suzy Biszantz, La Perla's CEO North America. At its Boylston Street boutique, La Perla offers Boston women an array of collections, including beachwear, sleepwear, hosiery, perfume, and ready-to-wear inspired by corsets. "La Perla is very proud of its Boston boutique, which has been part of the community for 10 years. We look forward to sharing the latest La Perla collections with our Boston customers," says Biszantz. This summer, expect to see La Perla's sensual Dunes bikinis and metallic pareos—or one of the brand's form- fitting one-piece swimsuits with corsetry details—on the beaches of North Shore and Nantucket. 250 Boylston St., 617-423-5709; laperla.com CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Clemente sandals ($128–$148), surf stripe transport tote ($138), crisscross sightseer sandals ($59.50), island beach necklace ($28), and beach shirttail tee ($55), Madewell. INSET AND BELOW RIGHT: A sketch and model show a new look for summer. Dunes one-piece, La Perla ($388). 84 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM STYLE SPOTLIGHT