Green Fashion
A private shopping experience certainly seems lush but in the time of Corona, it is in fact a necessary safety precaution of sorts as well. Luckily for us, Durham’s bastion of chic, Vert & Vogue has perfectly pivoted to the art of private appointments in their Main Street boutique. We met Realtor Tiffany there for a chat with co-owner Nadira while RED family friend Kaitlin adeptly encouraged and superb stylist Stephanie escorted us through the shop’s collection of thoughtfully articulated fashions.
Founded in 2008 and certified as a B Corp in 2017, Vert & Vogue astutely combines the shared passions of owners Nadira and Ryan - a balance of environmentalism and wardrobe aesthetics. The pair sources their collections with visits to private showrooms and cultivates unique relationships with the small-batch designers they support. B Corporations are companies that have met the meticulous characteristics set out by B Lab to assure that purpose, not just profit, is at the forefront (other local brands include Counter Culture and Murphy’s Naturals). V & V’s pledge to “exceed standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability”, means their impact on Durham’s downtown goes far beyond style, most recently to include Ryan’s spearheading of the city’s small business coalition.
From the moment one is greeted at their storefront, that attentiveness to detail and care for the community is apparent. An A-Frame sign nudges walkerbys to book an appointment, really more of a well-styled embracing (albeit distant) experience. We were greeted at the door by cheerful Stephanie, delighted to make our acquaintances as she invited us to adorn the not-so-stylish but ever-so-safe gloves before fully entering. Tiffany had already conveyed her measurements and shopping goals when booking the appointment online so a few items with her in mind had already been chosen and awaited her in the fitting room. We browsed through the two floors, pleasantly invigorated by the scents of Maison Louis Marie (a bougie parfumée) and neatly merchandised with thoughtful gifts, sustainable footwear brands, wares by local craftspeople, and jewelry collections from the statement pieces of Peppertrain to the delicacies of Faris.
The team of three sweetly encouraged Tiffany’s choices and simultaneously encouraged her to try styles she would have otherwise passed over. The Rachel Comey boots in Mauve elegantly coordinate with nearly every look from the Annitian Jersey Dress to wide-legged cream denim trousers. Harris Wharf London outerwear is a definite welcome for a brisk Winter’s day and we both found the Sapo Clog in patent leather black difficult to walk away from. For a little over an hour, Tiffany twirled and strutted throughout the space, cheered on by a private bank of women exuding warmth and elegance. This is certainly the ticket to remembering why we wear clothing other than sweats and leggings in front of the zoom camera!
To book a private appointment with Vert & Vogue visit here or simply shop online with independent designer & mindfully made clothing sent directly to your door or picked up curbside as one by one pieces or in “approval boxes” chosen with you in mind.
