By Janet Wight
Scarborough Fair, a women’s size-inclusive clothing and fashion store, is re-opening this month in the former F.I.T. Lab space at 1583 Hamline Ave. in Falcon Heights.
For the past few years, Scarborough Fair operated as an open studio in the lower level of the F.I.T. building, which old-time locals will remember as the onetime home of Blomberg Pharmacy.
When F.I.T. Lab moved out, owner Katheryn (“Kat”) Menaged felt that it was kismet and the perfect opportunity to re-establish her retail business, she explained.
(F.I.T. Lab is now at the Mali Center, 576 Front Ave. This hub for minority-owned businesses with a wellness emphasis is the brainchild of Rondo neighborhood native and local entrepreneur Tyrone Minor.)
Scarborough Fair will celebrate its grand re-opening Feb. 13 to 15 with an “Everything on Sale” sale (Magnolia Pearl excluded).
The shop features quality high-end clothing from a selection of curated designers. Sizes range from XS to 3X with prices between $200 and $600, along with well-stocked sale racks. Artisan-made jewelry, handmade hats, socks and other accessories are also available.
Customer service is key at Scarborough Fair. “We are encouraging women to come in and to reach out if they want some personalized help,” Menaged said. “We don’t sell clothes, we dress women.”
Grizas, one of the designers featured at the shop, is owned by a husband and wife duo from Lithuania. Their line of sustainable, launderable pieces includes cottons and silks with great style serving every body type, Menaged said.
Shibori, an ancient Japanese dyeing technique, is the style favored by Colorado designer Steve Sells. His wearable art offerings include high quality silks and textured Japanese cottons.
Magnolia Pearl is an inspired and expensive line that includes distressing, patching and iconic artwork, she explained. It is the “inspired, enchanted, fairy spiritual essence that I love,” Menaged added. These pieces are collectables and are produced in limited runs.
Although the store will have limited hours, appointments are available. Menaged welcomes inquiries by text or phone at (651) 402-6441. Interested clients may reach out at their convenience for advice, photos or product descriptions.
Growing up in northern California in the 1970s, Menaged traveled to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, Ore. on family vacations. It was a magical place during a magical time in her life, she said, and it inspired her to start thinking about wanting some type of store.
“Ashland to me was what I am trying to create for women now,” she recalled.
While immersed in the music at the festival, Menaged kept musing about the medieval song Scarborough Fair. The John Renbourn rendition (as opposed to the Simon and Garfunkel version) is the one that suggested King Arthur in her mind, and that is when she decided upon the name of her future store.
At age 18, Menaged moved to Brooklyn to launch her career in the fashion industry, opting to live with her grandmother which made the move financially feasible.
Prior to its Hamline Avenue location, Scarborough Fair operated from St. Anthony Park’s Milton Square for six years, and before that she had a store on West Seventh Street in St. Paul for three years.
Scarborough Fair plans to host it its largest annual event—Hats, Horses and High Tea—on March 29. This year’s event will benefit the Northrup Dance Commissioning Project. Menaged, an enthusiastic supporter of dance, currently serves on the Northrup Advisory Board.
Trunk shows, showcasing merchandise from specific designers, are planned for later in the spring.
When asked what makes her shop unique, Menaged quickly noted, “It’s enchanted. It is romantic. It is lovely and clean and we offer merchandise that you’re not going to see everywhere.”
Her favorite thing about being a business owner is buying pretty things and working with great women. “I really love that!,” she exclaimed. In the past she had some staffing challenges, but she is “very blessed to have a great crew right now,” Menaged said.
Visit scarboroughfairshop.com for additional information.
Janet Wight is a regular freelance writer for the Bugle.
