Marblehead is known for its rich history, historic homes, gorgeous water views, beaches, fishing and … fashion. Yes, you read that right. Unbeknownst to some, Marblehead has a thriving fashion industry.
A spring vacation in April 2016 convinced Melissa Lorenzo- Hervé and her family to leave their lives in New York City to begin anew here in Marblehead. After that first visit “we thought perhaps one day in the future we could leave our jobs in Manhattan and relocate here, and we made it happen” explained Lorenzo- Hervé.
Years before, Lorenzo-Herve had searched for a female equivalent to the men’s business suit. Men can dress in their suits and go from the office and out without having to change.
“I decided to launch Pirouette so that busy women like myself could save time with beautiful dresses that multitask as much as we do,” said Lorenzo- Hervé.
When she could not find anything appropriate in the marketplace, she created the signature Pirouette dress herself. The dresses are sustainably made, high-end clothing in classic designs at accessible prices in an inclusive range of sizes. When asked what keeps her customers coming back, she responded “These dresses give an instant confidence boost because of their flattering cuts, eye-catching prints, and timeless silhouettes.”
Check out the dresses and more at https://pirouettenyc.com/.
Nip & tuck
With all of her fashion contacts based only in NYC’s Garment District, Lorenzo- Hervé was in need of a highly skilled seamstress here in Marblehead. While shopping at Maria’s Gourmet, she saw a business card for Ana Penuelas. The cashier recommended Penuelas as an incredible seamstress who was making all of the masks Maria’s Gourmet was selling. One visit to Ana Penuelas’ studio on Atlantic Avenue and Lorenzo- Hervé knew she had found her seamstress. Penuelas graduated from college in 2003 as a Fashion Designer in Mexico, completed a Corset Academy Course, worked as a bridal-alterations specialist, and with over 2 decades of experience, opened her own shop.
“My ultimate goal is to ensure each client leaves with a perfect fit,” said Penuelas-Ezekiel, who is now a newlywed.
The key is understanding women are beautiful in all shapes and sizes, “it is very important to know the different kind of bodies of a woman and to know how to reconstruct a garment to achieve a perfect alteration,” she said. Penuelas-Ezekiel does not just tailor a garment, she enhances the design to make it unique, with little touches, so clients feel more confident and look radiant. Too modest to mention her own specialty, Penuelas-Ezekiel’s Facebook page speaks for her, picture after picture highlighting her talents for bridal gowns and spectacular eveningwear. Check it out at https://www.facebook.com/bridaldesignbyanapenuelas.
French tuck
When Dana Rieckelman searched high and low, unable to find flattering “stylish, comfortable skirts made for grown women,” she opted to create her own. In starting French Tuck, one of her first calls was to her friend and fellow women’s clothing designer Melissa Lorenzo- Hervé. Lorenzo- Hervé immediately connected Rieckelman with Penuelas-Ezekiel. The skilled seamstress was able to turn Rieckelman’s designs into reality. When asked to describe her creations, Rieckelman recites “French Tuck skirts are made with real women in mind, they offer a comfortable waistband that flatters every figure and hits just above the knee making it easy to dress up or dress down. Fabrics are limited edition and extremely high quality. All fabrics are imported from Spain and sewn in Marblehead.”
Check out her designs at https://www.facebook.com/frenchtuckstyle. And clearly, Rieckelman had her finger on the pulse of what women want…her entire stock completely sold through this spring.
Whether you are seeking a casual skirt, the dress that will work for your entire day, or bespoke attire, Marblehead entrepreneurs have you covered from head to toe.
