Viviana, Tarrytown’s newest Main Street boutique, will be instantly recognizable to clients of Fiamor in Dobbs Ferry ( because they’re “all in the family.”) Both classy stores feature designer clothing imported from France and Italy, both have a distinctive European flair, and both feature an abundance of stylish accessories. Owner, Mimi Markisic has named her shop for her eight-and-a-half year-old daughter, Viviana, and she did so six years after her own mother, Lily, opened Fiamor in Dobbs Ferry. While Viviana was inspired by Fiamor and her mother’s fashion vision, Mimi has brought her own taste and touch to her “little offspring,” as she calls it.
Mimi describes her clothes as fun and trendy, perfect for casual wear or career dress - her unique selection of sophisticated evening gowns and suits adding to her full spectrum of fashion offerings. “We like to have something in every price range,” she acknowledged,” from affordable everyday wear and business suits to French designers.”
Accessories abound for both men and women, so much so that one close look in the cabinets, on the shelves and tables is never enough to uncover treasure after treasure. Purses, scarves, shawls and jewelry – often one of a kind – decorate every inch of Mimi’s boutique, and each item is selected individually. As Laura Dunnings, Viviana’s event planner and fashion consultant says, “The beginning, young shopper or the savvy shopper will find something to appeal to her taste.”
Distinctive materials – velvets, taffeta, silks, soft cottons – are in abundance, a testament to Mimi’s previous professional life in the textile industry. She won’t buy anything but the finest, well- crafted materials. This spring, she is featuring Windhorse clothes from Nepal, a committed, authentic fair trade company that creates unique, traditionally hand-crafted clothing.
Last Christmas, Lily and Mimi created their own “Enchanting Boutique” for Lyndhurst’s Fairy Tale themed holiday celebration, and dressed models in elegant gowns, enhancing and complementing the magic of experiencing the mansion’s lavish room decorations.
Mimi and Laura are quick to thank their store’s former owners, Apt. 28, who sub-leased the store to Mimi and continues to partner graciously with her. Having renovated this bright and airy space, Apt. 28 is still selling their singular vintage jewelry items on Main Street, this time at Viviana’s.