Friday, March 1, 2013, was not your ordinary start to the weekend. In the heart of West Palm Beach, Florida, the cozy and inviting ASquared Boutique was welcoming curious shoppers, as the owner, Angela Koch Stockham, was hosting an informal trunk show. It felt as if you had stepped into your living room glancing down at hardwood floors, watching customers chat on comfortable couches, a throw rug and a big chandelier all part of the ambiance. Surrounding you were racks of alluring clothes and delicate and unique jewelry.
The highlighted collection on this particular evening was far from the ordinary with some of its roots right in Palm Beach County.
Ariel Lilly (a Boston native) and Christina Coniglio (a Palm Beach native) revealed their Summer 2013 Collection to an enthusiastic crowd. Some were already wearing their fashions. This artistic duo are the designers behind the contemporary womenswear line known as Rae Francis. Free flowing floor length dresses, pants and shirts with versatility in mind rounded out the collection. A Rae Francis woman can best be described as Bohemian chic, a woman who looks beautiful in an effortless way.
The inspiration behind this collection, the 8th for the girls, is Woodstock. It was a time of music, art and self-expression. Lilly and Coniglio did extensive research to determine what the festival attendees wore to this historic event. Quite a number of the pieces have that tie-dye influence in a range of magnificent colors and feminine pastels. All the pieces are 100% silk, hand-dyed in India and made right in the United States in the heart of the garment district in New York City where the design team currently resides.
This collection takes us back in time with hints of lace, stripes, plunging necklines and tunics for every occasion. Also part of the trunk show was a capsule collection with some of the designers' best sellers.
Both Lilly and Coniglio have always had fashion design in their hearts from the time they were small and pursued that dream at The Savannah College of Art & Design where they met. Although after college they went their separate ways gaining experience in the industry, the girls united some years later to start their own line capturing both their personalities into the creative label of Rae Francis.
The sense of style and driven ambition will take this charming duo far in the world of fashion with a very affordable line and the potential to go international in the very near future. Keep an eye out for more great collections from Ariel Lilly and Christina Coniglio.
Don't forget to pay a visit to ASquared Boutique while in West Palm Beach. There is no other retailer that can offer such charm, appeal and enticing merchandise in an engaging atmosphere.
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