Vittoria and Co, a lifestyle pop up boutique based at Watercrest Mall, currently stock 27 brands – all local makers and creators. Products include bath and body goods, home decor, bags, shoes and clothing for all ages.
“Our clothing range includes noteworthy designers that have been featured at Durban Fashion Fair and Vodacom Durban July,” says Roxy Geldenhuys. “All of our suppliers, whether big or small, might be recognised from local markets and events. For some of these makers, whom rely solely on markets for income, Vittoria & Co has been a small lifeline during the pandemic.”
Roxy owns local knitwear business Vittoria Designs, and when lockdown hit in March 2020 her business came to a grinding halt. “Our national events had all been cancelled, all markets closed, all our stockists closed doors and my own retail shop was forced to close under lockdown,” she says. And this is when Vittoria and Co. was born. “A colab of my expertise and that of Debbie Viviers, owner of The Festive Market, we wanted to create an upmarket pop–up, supporting local businesses,” says Roxy. “With thanks to Watercrest Mall, we were able to open a space in July 2020, and have since upgraded to a bigger shop thanks to the amazing support of our community.”
As we’re heading into 2021 with tighter restrictions, we’ve seen many closures of local markets again. “Under strict retail protocol, we are fortunate to remain open and continue to promote local makers and designers,” says Roxy.
FOR MORE INFO: 073 337 8819, www.vittoria-designs.co.za, FB: Vittoria & Co