Lara Bly brings glamour and shine to Bethlehem with her new design studio and boutique. Known for creating clothing that is vibrant and full of personality, Bly wants her customers to feel like they are wearing luxury looks while still being exceptionally comfortable.
Lara Bly
Owner/Designer
Talk about your career as a fashion designer prior to opening your shop.
Growing up, I always had a great interest in all types of fashion but very specifically fashion design. I started sketching designs quite naively as far back as I can remember. In order to gain the skills needed to begin a career in the fashion industry, I attended the American College of London. It was there that I gained my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in both Fashion Design and Marketing.
What was the journey to opening Lara Bly Design Studio and Boutique in Bethlehem like?
When I began the process of creating my own fashion brand, I decided to rent a studio at the Banana Factory in Bethlehem, where I stayed for seven years gaining experience and building my clientele. The most meaningful part of my career came in January 2019, when I left my studio and got my very first boutique. As the store prospered, I needed to find a bigger and better location, which I did when I finally moved to my dream store in June 2021. Originally built in 1914, this historic building reflects the Lara Bly signature look, combining the beauty of Art Deco and Art Nouveau with a chic, modern twist.
Tell us about the clothing that you create.
The collection is broken into two main categories. The first category is basics. Lara Bly basics are made from extremely soft rayon jerseys and have a flowing and romantic vibe to them. I absolutely love color, and you'll find that the moment you walk into the store. We all love our little black dress but I strive to offer a collection that's vibrant and full of personality. What I am really known for is my signature Lara Bly eveningwear collection filled with sparkles, flowing silhouettes and extreme comfort. I want people to feel like they are wearing luxury while feeling totally unrestricted and at ease. I'm always on the lookout for innovative and glamorous fabrics.
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Who is the Lara Bly customer?
The Lara Bly customer is not dictated by age but rather a lifestyle. She is a woman who cares about how she presents herself while not wanting to blend into the monotony of mainstream fashion. She wants her clothing to have individual flair while showing off her personality. She wants to be comfortable while also feeling “pretty.” She wants to show her best self each and every day. Most importantly, what this brand offers encourages a woman daily to feel just a little bit better about herself.
What else can readers expect to find in store?
A truly unique experience, it is both a fashion design studio and boutique. Everything is created and made right in the store. Customers can see the complete process of design, illustration, fabric choices, pattern making, cutting and sewing.
At our new location, we also offer additional brands that have been carefully selected to coordinate with the Lara Bly collection. This allows us to offer many different styles and additionally many different price points to the customer. My goal is that there is a little something for everyone!
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What's the overall vibe at the shop like?
The overall vibe of the shop is beauty and romance. The natural light that comes in through the corner store with 14 windows is simply stunning. The architecture of the outside and the inside of this store adds to the aesthetic of an art deco/art nouveau era. High ceilings, glistening chandeliers and accents of gold and silver are found throughout the store.
What can we look forward to in fashion this fall and winter?
There will be seafoam-colored crushed velvet highlighted with metallic rose gold. Gunmetal spandex with metallic foil prints. Full skirts cascading to the floor in iridescent indigo paired with romantic deep V silhouettes. Snakeskin sweater knits with touches of gold. Bronze, fully flowing maxi dresses and silver maxi skirts—think Studio 54! As always, lots of glamour and shine. A signature part of what I offer is an extensive range of separates that can be dressed up and down for different occasions.
202 E. 3rd St., Bethlehem | 484.935.1025 | larably.com
