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A high-end boutique based in New York City is bringing runway looks to Nashville.
Kirna Zabete, founded by Beth Buccini in 1999, will open in March in Green Hills by The Bluebird Cafe at 2001 Warfield Drive.
The Nashville location marks the brand's fifth store, followed by forthcoming locations in Miami and New York City’s Madison Avenue.
The “360-degree fashion experience” aims to dress a woman seven days a week, Buccini told the Business Journal.
Its designer inventory ranges from jeans, T-shirts and sneakers to $9,000 dresses. As a businesswoman and a mom of four, Buccini’s days can be spent on the sideline of a soccer field or in Europe on a buying trip — she personally curates all pieces sold at Kirna Zabete.
“The way that the city has grown and it seems there is a movement of ‘hipness’ that has really hit Nashville has made it ready for Kirna Zabete. … The way that the city has been able to grow and build makes it prime for this kind of retail,” Buccini told the Business Journal.
Buccini was introduced to Nashville via her husband, whose company, The Buccini/Pollin Group, owns the Virgin Hotel Nashville. After each visit, he would tell her about how much the city is growing, so Buccini decided to come see for herself.
“I could not get over the energy in the city. I was absolutely blown away by every restaurant we went to, and there is a real New York movement heading toward Nashville. You have Pastis, The Dutch, SoHo House, so everything about it felt right,” Buccini said.
After exploring the area, Buccini noticed a void for stores with the types of designers she carries, especially since Jamie closed on Harding Pike. She began initial conversations with vendors, all of whom supported her thought that Kirna Zabete would do well in Nashville.
Kirna Zabete’s clientele is generational, though most of their customers are in their 30s, 40s and 50s.
Some of the designers the Nashville store will carry include Agolde, Chloe, Dolce & Gabbana, Gianvito Rossi, Golden Goose, Libertine, Proenza Schouler, Toteme, Victoria Beckham and more.
Buccini was born in Virginia and attended the University of Virginia, getting degrees in art history and French literature. Being from the South, Buccini said she understands the Nashville market and is looking forward to getting more entrenched in it.
“We are so excited to be there and cannot wait to get to know the community even better. We are really warm and welcoming and are ready to make some ladies feel fabulous,” Buccini said.
The boutique will move into a 4,200-square-foot space, allowing Kirna Zabete to showcase a wide display of shoes and bags along with their clothing.
Elliott Kyle was the broker in the deal, Nashville-based Daniels + Chandler is the architect and Steven Gambrel of SR Gambrel will head interior design.
The Green Hills location will join existing stores in New York's Soho neighborhood; Bryan Mawr, Pennsylvania; East Hampton, New York; and Palm Beach, Florida.
