By Terri Spilman
As a new addition to the Carmel fashion scene, Mélange Fashion is bucking the high-end boutique trend by catering to women of all shapes, sizes and budgets in their new retail space south of the Arts & Design District at 20 Executive Drive.
In the spirit of the independent fashion stores on Mass Ave. and in Indianapolis’s Irvington neighborhood, Mélange – which means “a mix of things” in French – will carry an eclectic assortment of clothes for women, men, tweens, infants and toddlers. It also will sell jewelry, accessories, home décor and furnishings while specializing in personalized service.
Longtime friends and business partners Margi Beaver, Brenda Long and Carmen Shew conceived the store out of a passion for women-run businesses, a shared love of fashion and an appreciation for art.
Beaver runs two other businesses in Carmel, Hollywood Cheer and Dance and acting school Milestone Talent Group. Shew is the long-time proprietor of skincare business Carmen’s Esthetics Skin Care, which neighbors Mélange. And Long brings fine artistry talents from her experience in theatre set design, mural painting and photography.
Personal shopping, private parties, special orders, private prom showings, online shopping, gift wrap service and shipping are also offered at Mélange.
Paintings by local artists will adorn store walls and will also be available for purchase. According to Long, local designers are encouraged to bring in their wares as part of the store’s mission to sell local and give back to the community.
The proceeds from artwork sales will go towards community charities relating to breast cancer and to the Humane Society for Hamilton County.
“When I walk into a store, I want them to make me feel good about myself, and you don’t see that, you really don’t,” Beaver said. “We wanted to bring something to Carmel that would make people feel good about themselves.”
Mélange Fashion is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. A grand opening celebration will be conducted on May 23 featuring a fashion show, special discounts and refreshments.
For more information visit www.melangefashion.com.