Haute Fashions Not Just New, But Used and Borrowed Too

What began as an economical way to provide a couture look for budget-conscious women looking for unique style, emerging fashion stylist, Emika Porter has quickly turned her passion into a growing chic underground fashion movement.  Last year, Porter created, Haute Thrif’Ture TM, a styling borrow/exchange boutique with an inventory made up entirely of second-hand gently-worn designer clothing, mainly obtained from customers. With sales at thrift stores on the rise (an 18% increase over 2009), more women were embracing the concept of wearing pre-owned clothing. Porter is not only dressing clients in the “best for less” high-fashions, but expanded her boutique’s service to include fashion rental. Porter says, “Borrowing fashion clothing and accessories is not a new retail model, but what sets Haute Thrif’Ture TM apart is that our inventory is affordable, customers get the same look for less, whether the fashions are rented or exchanged.” Designers include Burberry, Chanel, Michael Kors, and many others. Customers also receive Porter’s styling expertise, because she says, “…often customers don’t know how to put it all together; I show them how – which is extremely valuable for anyone who wants a hot look maybe for just one event.”

Dozens of Las Vegas’ fashion elite are expected to turn out for the grand opening celebration and fashion soiree on Friday, Nov. 19 from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.  Haute Thrif’Ture TM officially opens their couture closet boutique in the Emergency Arts Building, 520 East Fremont Street, Suite 145, downtown Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 20.  In addition, Porter is fast becoming the go-to fashion stylist for editorial and commercial fashion shoots – working with fashion photographers such as Victor Salvador; Porter recently styled the November magazine cover for ‘The G.O.O.D.S. Magazine’, an online interactive upscale fashion & lifestyle publication, and the book covers for author Ni’Cola’s ‘Over and Over Again’ and ‘Twisted’. She was also the lead fashion stylist and commentator for Saver’s 2010 ‘Walk-The-Walk’ charity fashion show. Ms. Porter, who was born and raised in Berkeley, CA is not new to ‘thifting’ – a phrased she coined, says her mother introduced her to consignment shopping as a teenager long before it was “cool”, yet alone fashionable. “Thrifting is truly an art form that requires knowing top designers, recognizing quality and anticipating trends – Thrifting ain’t easy,” states Porter.