Narciss Boutique launches Emerging Designers and Artists Month

Narciss, a boutique which merges art and clothing designs and has been open since July this year, held its launch party for Emerging Designers and Artists Month on Wednesday 2nd of November at their flagship store on Westbourne Grove, Notting Hill.

Alise Trautmane, the Latvian born owner and designer of the label has a strong academic background in law and economics and claims that art has always been a part of her life as she has been painting since the age of 9.  Alise decided to launch the label after attending lectures in Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design.

Narciss, the name of the store alludes to the famous literary epic Ovid’s Metamorphosis; where Narcissus, a beautiful blonde mythical creature is mesmerised by his own reflection in a pool of water leading him to his death. Instead of encouraging self obsession and narcissism Alise hopes that the label will encourage women to be more self confident and fall in love with themselves, albeit in a more healthy way.

With neighbouring stores such as Joseph and feathers, Narciss fills the gap in the trendy shopping district of Notting Hill’s Westbourne Grove by mixing classic romanticism and sophisticated feminine styles in an inviting airy boutique adorned with the art of St Martins art graduate Elanor Barreau.

The paintings depict women that have been featured in various forms of advertising throughout different historical periods showing the ongoing alteration of perceived attractiveness as well as changes in fashion, style and aesthetics.

‘They are very much in keeping with the theme of the Narciss brand as advertising and press create the perfect image and encourage women to aspire to it. Narciss encourages women to learn to love themselves.’ Alise says.

She decided on opening the store in Kensington and Chelsea’s Notting Hill after various failed attempts at getting the brand stocked in the area. Eventually she came to the conclusion that starting her own boutique would work best. The garments are clear cut classics, simple stylish sophisticated pieces with small details that are produced within the EU with fabrics from Italy and Spain. ‘I’m not designing to grab attention, the likes of Lady Gaga would be dissapointed’ Alise says.

The young designers collaboration is made up of Dominique Mosley who designs the colourful scarves that compliment the mainly monochrome Narciss Autumn/Winter collection; Claudine London who designs the bags which appear like colourful little works of leathered art; Jerome C Rousseau is in charge of the shoes and the jewellery is designed by Zina S Sparling.

The shop can be found at 185 Westbourne Grove in Notting Hill. Go down for a visit and you might find Alise in the store where she is committed to introducing the Narciss fashion concept to Notting Hill women. She appreciated any first hand feedback from her clientele.