Downtown's newest business, K. Anthony Boutique, has brought boutique fashions for women and men to the Laura Street retail corridor.
The retail store at 209 N. Laura St. near Hemming Plaza opened March 2.
Owner and stylist Katja Barfield said she wanted to add something to Downtown's retail mix that has been missing.
"This is a higher-end boutique. It's not about trendy or contemporary. There are enough stores in Jacksonville where you can buy a pair of jeans and a top. Classic is more my taste," Barfield said.
Barfield has stocked her boutique with a selection of women's and men's clothing and Chanel accessories, one of several exclusive-to-Downtown labels.
The shop carries Badgley Mischka, Lotusgrace, Eva Franco and gowns by ABS.
"Other than shirts, all the men's clothing is custom-tailored and I have only dresses for women. I like pretty dresses and I sell what I like," said Barfield.
Born into a U.S. Army family, she began modeling at age 16. When Barfield was cast in a soap opera on TV in Germany, she discovered she enjoyed the role of stylist.
"I dressed my own character. I liked the behind-the-scenes part of the show," she said.
In addition to working in her new boutique, Barfield donates her expertise to charity fashion shows and is the stylist for "First Coast Living" on WTLV TV-12.
"I decided the next step was to open my own store," she said.
Barfield said she chose Downtown because her store is right for the neighborhood.
"I've done a lot of research on Jacksonville and I've done my fair share of shopping. The other retail areas are overcrowded. Downtown has a lot of potential and I wanted to open my store where it is needed," Barfield said.
K. Anthony Boutique is open 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and by appointment Sunday.
For more details, call (904) 619-7954.
(904) 356-2466
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