Claremont’s fashion alley recently welcomed a refreshing newcomer to its precinct. Virgule boutique, a retail space where ‘anything can happen’, is currently in a soft opening phase which commenced in late April, says owner and creator, Marinda Lakhnati, “The official launch will however take place in a few months.”
Virgule, (which means ‘comma’ in French, that breath that you take in the middle of a sentence that gives it rhythm, meaning and most importantly intensity) is a ‘lieu de vie’ or life space,” explains Laknahti, “a playground for emancipated women, that revolves around shoes and accessories. I would like my customers to have fun, expect the unexpected. Celebrate life and celebrate being a woman.”
Born with a passion for design, Laknahti says: “It is something that runs in the family. My mother was very fond of fine fabrics and leather and my brother, Alheit Ströh, is a Johannesburg based artist and jewellry designer. The concept of Virgule evolved through close collaboration and interaction with my brother. In essence it is a family affair as even my young son was a great source of inspiration and provider of some wacky ideas. Virgule is a dream realised, and my first retail store. What started out as an idea, then a wish, is today a reality.”
“Our idea,” says Laknahti, “was to create a retail space that can change constantly to ensure it remains interesting. It had to be original, honest and unorthodox, thinking out of the box and creating a space with attitude!”
The concept not only allows change to the store configuration, but also for reusing the entire space by presenting a visual arts gallery or a restaurant venue for a Virgule dinner. “We wanted it to be organic, with a strong component of flexibility. The materials used will oxidise and change colour over time. This all fits with the philosophy of Virgule,” adds Laknahti.
She will be working with an ever-renewed base of carefully researched and selected, niche and edgy upcoming designers, although collaboration with artists and creators from the other end of the spectrum are not excluded.
Laknahti, who has a marketing background and an extensive corporate career decided to revert to her first love after travelling extensively and living abroad for ten years. “When it comes to leather,” says Laknahti, “I had the privilege of working in Geneva with one of the top independent Swiss leather bag artisans who only produces bespoke pieces. This experience was a real eye opener as it sharpened my understanding of craftsmanship. To make matters worse, I married a Frenchman with a very acute understanding of “elegance”!
Most of the stocked items are imported from Western Europe (mainly Italy, France and Spain) from various designer brands, which will continuously change. Virgule will also offer a range of handcrafted rings from Scant Design, a South African designer.
Laknahti chose to locate the store in Claremont because it is a popular shopping destination and conveniently situated as many of her customers live in the area and surrounds. “Cavendish Street has a good reputation as a ‘fashion destination’ with other well-established fashion stores in the street, and being adjacent to Cavendish Square is a great advantage. I, however, wanted a stand alone store, where I have the freedom to express myself through the store design and what I can offer my customers.”
According to Laknahti, the store has received an overwhelming response to date for the minimalistic design, the merchandising concept, the atmosphere as well as the product. “I couldn’t have wished for a more positive and complimentary response, across the board! People from all walks of life enter, and interestingly enough, most comment that they have never seen anything like this is South Africa!”
Virgule
14 Cavendish Street,Claremont. Tel: 021 671 4884
Email: marinda@virgule.co.za www. Virgule.co.za