AVA, a high-end women’s international fashion apparel, accessories, and shoe store that will also carry gifts for men, is under construction at the former Posies storefront at 77 Central St. The AVA website says that Newbury St. is coming to Central St. in Wellesley, and that shoppers can expect unique private label designs by Carlos Pava, “all within a calm and comfortable store designed for a personalized shopping experience.”
I thought I’d take a look online at some of these unique private label designs by Mr. Pava, and although I was unable to find any clothes that featured his name, I did learn that he and Tess Enright opened a series of Tess & Carlos stores beginning in 1995 in Harvard Square. Other locations now are in Weston, Concord, Pittsford, N.Y., and Tivorton, R.I.
Enright told us that AVA, named for Pava’s daughter, is not associated with the Tess & Carlos shops. But the store will inevitably carry gorgeous things you aren’t going to find just hanging on the rack at Macy’s, and one can expect them to be priced accordingly. How accordingly? Well, like my dad always said, if you have to ask, you can’t afford it, but I did notice that the designers Pava used to keep company with didn’t just sell dresses, they had style manifestos, and they were fierce or bohemian or sleek and sophisticated. They didn’t just sell clothes, they invited you to put the items you coveted on a wish list.
What exactly will be on shoppers’ wish lists at AVA’s is anyone’s guess, but it seems likely the store will strive to bring unique items to discerning Wellesley shoppers who don’t have to ask about price and for whom wishes come true with a mere swipe of a credit card.
We’re not sure when AVA will open, but their construction crew is busy, and Central St. rent is high, so the near future is a good bet.
Also keep an eye out for David Chase, who plans to open two boutiques — one for men, one for women — at Belclare Wellesley. Word was the longtime Nantucket retailer planned to open in spring, but with the record-breaking snow slowing construction, it now looks as though Belclare will be welcoming residents and retailers in the fall.
Also of interest:
Posies closes in Wellesley, crosses town line
