Is there anything more horrifying than appearing at an event wearing the same outfit as someone else? Well... yes. But that doesn't diminish the embarrassment that one feels when one spends so much time putting together the perfect outfit, only to find it aped by a bitter rival. If this has happened to you, make sure you make Malgosia the first stop on your next shopping excursion.
"I'm trying to become known as the person who carries unique fashions that you won't find anywhere else," says Maggie Wachsberger. "I've always got my eye out there looking for great new designers, even a year in advance!"
Maggie got the idea for Malgosia -- the Polish nickname for "Maggie" -- after taking time out from schooling at the Fashion Institute to start a family. As her kids grew up and she became less involved in after-school activities, she briefly entertained starting her own line before settling on the idea of opening a store.
Though L.A is filled with fashionable stores, Maggie wasn't intimidated -- especially when she researched what she was up against. "I see the stores in L.A. that carry casual jeans, t-shirts and stuff, and they're all the same," she says, adding, "even if it wasn't the same lines, it was still similar."
With her husband routinely tripping off to Europe, Africa and Asia, Maggie tagged along taking time to seek out what each exotic destination had to offer in terms of fashion. The results of her findings decorate every square inch of Malgosia.
The clothing designs of New Delhi's Rajesh Pratap Singh light up the racks exclusive to Malgosia in the U.S. Miriam Ocariz, a designer from of Bilbao, Spain has pieces on display too, along with fellow Spaniard Raasta of Spain. Malgosia also stocks Fly Now of Thailand, an exquisite, couture line consisting of classic designs using fine lace and intricate pleating. You can find Macedonia's Risto Bimbiloski, formerly of Louis Vuitton, debut line of hand-crocheted knitware in luxurious yarns of silk, cotton and bamboo at Malgosia too.
Some of the shoppers that have bought into the unique and unusual mandate of the store include Ali Larter, Marley Shelton, Eve and Carla Gugino, so much so that they've been repeat customers. But what attracts Malgosia's shoppers isn't just the one-of-a-kind feel to the merchandise, but the spirit of the store which embraces diffrence, catering to women of all different shapes, sizes and tastes.
"Some women come in and don't like feminine and flowery, so they have wide-legged jeans, shorts and capri jeans, which they can put together with layering tank tops and shirts," Maggie explains. "For the more feminine, there are tons of beautiful dresses in bright colors like yellow and turquoise. Plus, I've been noticing a little embellishment is incorporated in a lot of things, like sequins. Silver and gold is going through fashion from spring to summer to fall, in fabrics, trim and jewelry. There's a little of everything for everyone."
Just like at Malgosia.
Discerning fashionistas can visit Malgosia at 8336 West Third Street, Los Angeles, CA 90048, (323) 782-9188. Or, check them out online at www.malgosiala.com.
