Dur Doux, a luxury lifestyle brand for women, is opening a shop in Livewear.
On Saturday, I’ll join a rotating group of designers at the Livewear/UPS retail store at 57 Bond Street in New York. The store is part of a collaboration between Áwet New York and his UPS to champion Black-owned small businesses. This luxurious space has been transformed to recognize diversity and innovation, while also serving as a resource hub. UPS is the store’s official shipping and logistics partner.
UPS not only provides the venue, but also covers all operating costs, allowing Dur Doux to keep 100% of the profits.
Founded in 2016 by mother-daughter duo Cynthia and Nazira Bart and based in Washington, DC, Dur Doux means “hard soft” in French. This collection is designed by Nazira Bhatt.
“UPS is one of those organizations that talks the talk, but actually walks the walk,” said Cynthia Burt, her mother. “There are some small groups that claim to be trying to make a difference, but what UPS has done is solid, pragmatic and results-oriented,” she said.
Cynthia and Nazira Bart
Image provided by Dur Doux
“It’s a beautifully designed and carefully selected space,” says Cynthia.
In addition to Dur Doux, other brands featured so far this month are Áwet New York, Harbison Studio (2024 Fashion Trust US Ready-to-Wear winner), and Shekudo. There will also be a V. Beran pop-up event on Friday from 9 a.m. to noon. Dur Doux will be in stores until spring.
“Essentially, we created a retail store for BIPOC brands. The model allows BIPOC brands to keep 100 percent of the profits and focus on expanding and growing their businesses, while offering a very large It’s about building a supportive community in a way that’s possible,” Awet said. Walde Gebriel is the founder and creative director of Áwet New York. He has already rotated through 12 brands since opening in September. In addition to New York, the initial brands were Muehleder, Harbison Studio, Busayo, and the jewelry brand Gogo.
Dur Doux’s spring look.
Green Show, courtesy of Dur Doux
Waldegebriel said they have established a rolling base with all brands. “We want to make sure that everyone has a moment where they feel like the store is their own retail store. You can map all your own activations. The only thing Dur Doux has to do is “It’s about making sure the community knows we’re there,” he said. “The staff and management, who put so much effort into so many up-and-coming brands, are all well taken care of. The only thing Dur Doux has to do is make sure they have stock and what It’s about making sure the community and the customers know what’s going on,” he said.
Dur Doux’s spring look.
Green Show, courtesy of Dur Doux
“We always tell our designers that we want to narrow this down as much as possible and set up as many activations and pop-ins and appointments as possible,” Woldegebriel says. He said some brands were selling $20,000 a week during their most active periods.
“The best thing about these two guys is they’re so dedicated. They’re always here,” Woldegebriel said.
The Livewear store will be open until 2024 with expansion in mind and will span 1,700 square feet. With up to three racks in-store, Dur Doux will be selling selected spring collections.
The store is open Tuesday through Sunday from 1 to 7 p.m., with Cynthia and Nazira Burt in attendance for the opening and reception on Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m.
