Alizari store is designed for success in the city

Mar 14 2008 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

Alizari store is designed for success in the city

AN AWARD-winning fashion designer and retailer is giving Chester a makeover in style and chic with the opening of her designer clothes store, Alizari.

Ali Kynaston-Mainwairing, who was plucked from the London College of Fashion to work for top Italian designer Giorgio Armani, has moved from her premises in Rossett, Wrexham, to The Mall in Chester.

Alizari, which can kit out a woman of any age with an entire wardrobe from over 30 classic designers such as Ralph Lauren and James Lakeland, opened its doors last week to a host of enthusiastic customers.

The shop has earned its founder a place in the top four in the Top UK Retailer Awards,

Mrs Kynaston-Mainwairing, 34, originally from North East Wales, said: “Our focus is providing women with a classically stylish look that stands out, with clothes and accessories that can’t be found in high street chain stores.

“I chose Chester because of its reputation for having unique independent shops, and I felt that Alizari would fit in really well with this.

“I have around 80 clients from London who have travelled here because of the quality and distinctiveness of the clothes we offer.

“They all stay in hotels such as the Grosvenor, so I am proud to be doing my bit in attracting trade to Chester.”

The shop, which was previously Café Brioche, has had a complete overhaul, with leather sofas and chandeliers, and oak and ebony staircases that connect its three floors.

Over the next two months Mrs Kynaston-Mainwairing will introduce a personal shopping service, for customers to seek advice on changing their image from the successful designer.

She said: “I am not just interested in providing clothes, I want to introduce a social element to the store, so I will be holding many in-house events to encourage people to join the Alizari Social Club.

“These will include catwalk evenings, ladies’ lunches and race days.

“I am also keen to forge links with other local businesses, so I will be inviting other businesses to join us in these social activities.”

Alizari is open from 9am-5.30am Monday-Saturday, and 11am-5pm Sundays.