Sequins: What’s hot in the district’s fashion boutiques as party season kicks off

With Christmas just one month away, many of us are starting to think about our looks for the party season, as well as special gifts to buy or our loved ones.

Fortunately in the Harrogate district we are blessed with some fabulous independent fashion boutiques.

We asked four business owners what was currently flying off the shelves as we approach the big day.

Infinity & Co boutique, Harrogate

Sam Gallagher, owner of Infinity & Co boutique, which has just launched its newly-refurbished store at the Victoria Shopping Centre, said the key word for Christmas was “sequins – and lots of them!”

She said:

“We have trousers, tops, blouses, dresses and jackets in and they are so popular. They can be worn dressed up but it’s also fun to wear them casually too. We have them in lots of metallic shades of gold, champagne, copper black and rose gold, along with some brights too.

“We have also been selling chunky oversized cardigans to wear with boots and PU (synthetic leather) joggers, ideal for walking around a Christmas market.

“Colours this season are lots of neutrals of camel, winter white and black and for the bright colours we have had a strong reaction to raspberry, teal, emerald and cobalt.”

Porters, Harrogate

Andy Shuttleworth, manager of Porters, on James Street, said shirts and dresses were selling fast ahead of the party season.

He said:

“We have got a great selection of occasion shirts and party dresses. They are always very popular this time of year.

“Accessories, which can be bought for gifts and stocking fillers, like socks and underwear, are popular too.

“Brands people particularly like at the moment are Traffic People, which does wonderful party dresses, and shirts from Guide London and Claudio Lugli.

“The trend is currently ‘glitz’ and the shirts are bright and bold – ready for the party season.”

Fennec & Darwin, Harrogate

Aideen Fox, owner of Fennec & Darwin, on Montpellier Mews, said accessories to help you keep warm were currently proving the most popular.

She said:

“I’m finding gift items, such as my slippers and scarves which retail for £19.99, have been my top-sellers on the run-up to Christmas.

“Especially with energy prices going up so much, it’s important to keep warm.”

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Wild Thing boutique, Knaresborough

Dianne Houghton, owner of Wild Thing boutique on Knaresborough’s High Street, said it was currently all about the sparkle.

She said:

“Sparkling dresses are popular at the moment, but they are not just for Christmas. You can make outfits sparkle by accessorising jewellery and layering-up, but still being comfortable.”

Sneak Peek: Wild Thing promises something unique in Knaresborough

A new womenswear shop arrived on Knaresborough’s High Street this week after the owner fell in love with the town when she was cycling through it last year.

Dianne Houghton said before cycling through the town she’d never visited Knaresborough, despite being from Hebden Bridge. She instantly knew she wanted a presence in the town.

Her shop, Wild Thing, opened on the high street yesterday.

She is no stranger to running a shop after working in fashion for 30 years she has moved the brand around four different premises in Otley.

Taking up 46 High Street, across from Market Place, Ms Houghton said she is excited to get to know the people of Knaresborough and their styles.

The shop is full and ready for new customers.

As the name suggests, Wild Thing isn’t all block colours and monochrome.

Ms Houghton said her style is a little “wild” and she loves finding something no one else is wearing:

“I’ve always wanted to wear something a bit different, something I won’t see anyone else in. Everything I have is a bit different, I love statement prints but also a classic jean and leather trouser is something you can never go wrong with.”

In the store you will find a variety of clothing and accessories from jumpers, midi dresses, jeans and even a statement necklace or two. Most things range from £10 to £80.

After 30 years in the industry, Ms Houghton has built up a following online. She said over lockdown she really focused on her online presence and is grateful to have built up the community she has.

Ms Houghton prides herself on not being a pushy sales woman but instead will listen to what customers want, she added:

“Through my life, I’ve been a size 6 and gone up to an 18 so I can really help women find something they love and feel comfortable in.

“I just love fashion, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

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The former DJ said although its a new location for her she aims to bring the same unique pieces and cheery atmosphere to Knaresborough.