Boutique goes bold

Carmelita Martell has dabbled in everything from sculpture to welding, but the Michigan-born designer has always seen fashion as her primary art form. Although she has been selling her clothing out of boutiques in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City for three years — as well as dressing celebrities for the red carpet — the designer decided to create a store in her current home, right here in Philly.

“The store is the full image of what the line should be,” says Martell of Old City newcomer Carmelita Couture. The flagship store carries the entire line (custom fittings are available) as well as accessories.

Martell, the primary designer, draws inspiration for her “wearable art” from her culture (she’s Mexican, Hungarian and French), music and her time spent in Miami. She says this translates into “feminine pieces that have a balance of character — whether it’s unique fabric, print or structure.”

If you go

Carmelita Couture

17 N. Third St.

215-925-3207