Celebrations All Round
The team at michelle.b are celebrating! Founder Michelle Berkins reflects on what an incredible time they have experienced since the launch of the business 18 years ago
It is testament to Michelle Berkin’s enduring, elegant sense of style that her fashion business continues to go from strength to strength.
Celebrating 18 years, michelle.b, in the heart of Barrowford, has from the outset, been renowned for its classic worldwide brands. Today the likes of Weekend Max Mara, Riani, Vilagallo, Marc Cain, Ottod’Ame, Hale Bob and Moschino feature in the michelle.b portfolio.
Despite changes in trends, over the years Michelle has continued to wow customers with her diligent choice of personally selected stock: “When I first started out, I used to go to Paris and London to buy but now most of the European fashion houses have bases in London.
“Back then customers would come to michelle.b for a really special ‘black tie’ dress. We stocked Jenny Packham, Roland Mouret and Missoni – all the top labels.
“It was very much investment dressing and while that still remains, today ladies want their outfits to work a lot harder – they buy a beautiful dress that can be worn with heels or trainers that will will take them to the races or out to supper with friends,” explains Michelle, who previously spent 20 years as a textile designer.
“I had intended to go into interior design but that all changed when my husband Kevin bought me the Barrowford shop as a surprise. He just gave me a set of keys and I spent nine months restoring it.
“It just lent itself to fashion – I did all the interior design and we had a fantastic opening night with doormen in red tuxedos and a band!”
Fast forward almost two decades and Michelle can’t believe just how successful her venture continues to be: “I still have some of my original customers – they are very loyal. The shop has become a real social hub. Some customers will just pop in for a chat and a coffee, which is lovely.”
Michelle and the seven-strong michelle.b team are now looking forward to celebrating their anniversary: “You see other shops closing but we are thriving and I am very grateful for that. I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown by – it’s been an incredible journey!”
michelle.b
2/3 King Edward Terrace
Gisburn Road, Barrowford BB9 8NJ
01282 605060
michellebshop.co.uk
