By Clyde Noel
Town Crier Correspondent
Business Profile
Olivia Boutique is a one-of-a-kind salon featuring elegant fashions direct from Italy. It opened last week in Rancho Shopping Center after the owner, Olivia Zinoni, returned from Milan, Italy, with a large inventory for her new boutique.
Born in Italy, where she used to play dress-up with her mother’s clothing, Zinoni has always had an eye for fashion. Her father had a men’s and women’s designer store, and Zinoni accompanied him on buying trips to Milan and Paris.
“The Italian style has produced the finest, and most appreciated, women’s wear and fashion accessories in scarves and shawls,” Zinoni said. “Italian fashion is an unsurpassed blend of colors, fabrics, patterns and fantasy with quality materials.”
Italy has several small companies that manufacture apparel to satisfy any kind of clothing request.
“I bought unique and different merchandise that nobody else will have in California,” Zinoni said. “Most of my purchases are featured and advertised in Vogue-Italy magazine and other regional Italian trade pieces.”
Zinoni always wanted to have her own store, and opening in Rancho Shopping Center is a dream come true for her.
“I’m excited, and scared, but you have to take that first rung on the dream sometime,” Zinoni said. “Italian apparel is appreciated all over the world, and I’m comfortable with it.”
Olivia Boutique caters to customers aged 25-45 who appreciate fashion and love clothes. Zinoni likes to mix and match and create outfits for her clients. She also carries bags, belts and shoes that accompany the clothing styles.
“I want to be able to keep a fresh image in the store and not become a big operation where I can’t provide the personal service clothes buyers desire,” Zinoni said. “When you stay small your personality comes out to your clients.”
“I called the store a boutique because that means it’s something unique, where you can feel comfortable enough to come back and enjoy what you see and the service you receive,” Zinoni said.
Inventory is limited at present, but dress shipments are arriving from Italy constantly. Merchandise comes by air and usually arrives in two days.
In September, Zinoni is returning to Milan to purchase more stock.
Olivia Boutique is located at 632 Rancho Shopping Center, Los Altos. For more information, call 949-3003.
