All dressed up for Crystal Palace
Lola and Fran
A new addition coming soon to Westow Street is Frankie and Lola. It’s an affordable dress agency for the creative, fashion conscious shoppers of South London which is opening its doors in Crystal Palace on Saturday 2nd May (with a little help and inspiration from a white bulldog!)
Frankie and Lola is run by mother and daughter duo Gail and Francesca Farnesi. It will sell new and secondhand designer and high-end high street brands for a stitch of their original prices. Labels in stock range from Diane von Furstenberg, Prada and Stella McCartney to Topshop, Chloe and DKNY.
“The credit crunch hasn’t dampened our passion for fashion, we just need better access to quality at affordable prices,” explains Francesca (25).
“After working in Los Angeles, I wanted to open a place that not only sells great clothes but is also a friendly, non-intimidating shopping environment, with honest advice and personal service. Clothes recycling is a fantastic idea – one woman’s pre-loved wedding outfit becomes another woman’s Saturday night saviour!”
The Farnesi’s are no strangers to design. Gail Farnesi (53) is a renowned interior designer whose other enterprise is Funky Junk in Westow Hill, which sells quirky second hand furniture and interesting curio. Her own work has been inspired by her travels and experiences as a Bluebell girl in Paris, Las Vegas and beyond.
Younger sister Sofia (18) will also have a role, introducing garments by new rising stars of the fashion world to the Frankie and Lola range, whilst studying at the London College of Fashion.
The new shop opens at 16 Westow Street from 10-6 pm on Saturday 2nd May. As an opening gift, shoppers will be able to choose a free accessory or jewellery piece to complement any purchase over £20. Good quality stock is always welcome.
And what of Lola?
“She is our fourth family member,” says Gail “and will be making guest appearances at the shop.” A 3 year old white Old-Thyme British bulldog, perhaps her favourite designer is Jimmy Choo?
For more information call 0208 771 7719, email info@frankieandlola.co.uk or visit www.frankieandlola.co.uk
