Substance Celebrates Seven Years with New Collection
Short North boutique Substance is celebrating its seventh anniversary this week with its 52nd Design Lab Collection, Collar Me Pretty.
The line is made up of detachable "Peter Pan" style collars, priced at $148 each, with hand embellishments made from the store's broken jewelry. The designers used recycled, brushed cotton broadcloth from a discontinued shirt style, and the collars range from bright and colorful to subdued and neutral. They'll be available starting March 26. Owner Christina Getachew said customers are welcome to come celebrate the anniversary and collection with champagne on Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the store.
"I can't believe the time has gone by," she said. "I guess I've been having fun."
Substance's Design Lab Collection is created in-store, allowing customers to be a part of the process. The lab turns out a new line each quarter, using natural and sustainable fibers. Getachew said the lab is an essential part of the store's operation because it allows for a better understanding of what her customer wants.
"We call it the Design Lab because it's really a laboratory for ideas," she said. "If we do well with one particular small collection, like the test of a trend, then we know it's something we can really buy into in a big way for the next season."
The boutique, located at 783 N. High St., offers clothing made with eco-friendly, organic fabric and production methods.
-Taylor Rogers, rogerstaylorj
Photos courtesy of Substance