Marissa Webb opens boutique in NYC

On Friday, January 19 former Banana Republic creative director Marissa Webb opened her own namesake boutique on 104 Grand Street in Soho.

Webb, who also served as the women's designer for J. Crew before prior to her tenure at Banana Republic, launched her eponymous line in 2013 at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in NYC. Her designs are known for fusing masculine elements with a perfectly feminine edge to appeal to the classic woman.

In addition to pieces from her own namesake line, the store also carries Pamela Love jewelry, Land by Land candles, and Ivy Kirzhner shoes.

While Webb's boutique was victim to closing for snowstorm Jonas this past weekend, the real test for how successful she can be with her own line will come in the months from March and on. Shopping and tourist traffic is relatively low in the months of January and February. Last year, this winter period was described by several news sources as retail's winter of discontent because sales figures were so low.

While Webb left her position at Banana Republic late last year, she is still involved with the brand in the role of creative adviser. Gap Inc. along with Bedrock Manufacturing serve as minority investors in the brand.

The designer will be holding a runway show during New York Fashion Week on February 11 to unveil her new fall/winter 2016 line.

photo:respectthenext.com