If you're looking for one-of-a-kind clothes from the world's hottest designers, it's hard to think of a better local spot than Bano Boutique (2699 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard). Owner Sima Rafizadeh hand picks each piece of designer clothing in the store when she goes on her four annual buying trips to Europe and New York. Bano features everything from accessories to coats and sweaters to dresses. Rafizadeh buys a few pieces in bulk, but a majority of selections are one-off pieces where there is only one available for purchase. Rafizadeh says, “Some popular trends for fall are light jackets, sweaters, casual business wear, and colors like reds, grays, and blacks.” Designers at Bano include Galeande, Marimekko, Joseph Ribkoff, Luna Luz, Majestic, Saint James and Weill. Rafizadeh says, “My objective in buying only one of each design is to provide a unique wardrobe to my Durham area clientele so that every client owns something that no other client can purchase in the area.” Rafizadeh’s frequent trips to Europe and New York ensure that you have the latest fashions that reflect your style from both international and national designers.
Austyn Canada is a junior at UNC-Chapel Hill who plans to move to New York City after graduation to pursue a career in fashion. We're happy to have her here in Durham now to keep her keen eye out for the hottest trends. Her Fashion Friday blog will appear – you guessed it – every Friday.
