A new hub for fashion has opened downtown.
Mara Millions Design Co. celebrated its grand opening Thursday afternoon, with the help of the Augusta Metro and Greater Augusta Black chambers of commerce.
The store had its soft opening in August, and has already received bookings for upcoming proms, says owner Mara Thomas.
“I want it to be an eyecatcher, something beautiful,” Thomas said. “Just something luxurious, so people don’t feel like they have to go to Atlanta, or Columbia or Charlotte. I want them to know they can have a luxurious shopping feel here in Augusta.”
Her interest in designing can be traced back to home economics classes in high school and the mentorship of her grandmother, a seamstress.
“I was always the girl that liked thread, to make my own clothing, shirts and jeans, make different things out of old, recycled clothes,” said Thomas, who went on to study fashion design at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD).
While Mara Millions Design has a brand producing more casual fashions, or “street luxury wear,” the store’s focus is on formal and special occasion wear, with an emphasis on promwear for rent.
Thomas’ personal favorite pieces for women, she says, are gowns, for their potential to be flattering and accentuating, regardless of body type: “it kind of displays this ultimate type of confidence that you didn’t know you had before.”
For men, a fine pair of slacks are key, she says noting how the break in pants can help the legs seem longer and cohere the look of a full suit.
“Of course the suit jacket is the eyecatcher,” she said. “But if a man has on a good pair of slacks, you’re like, “Oh, he’s put together pretty nice!’”
Thomas’ creative aim is to mesmerize with her designs, often bright, colorful and intricate, included dresses and gowns bedazzled with crystal-embellished fabric.
“I want people to be stunned. Making something out of nothing, taking a piece of fabric and making it into this stunning gown… that’s what I take pride in.”
Mara Million Design Co. is located at 138 Eighth St. in downtown Augusta.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
