Experience Another American Original: Montgomery Fashion Boutique in Harlem

Montgomery Harris is a style pioneer in many senses of the word. Not only was she one of the first to open a boutique in the Seventh Avenue and 135th Street stretch of Central Harlem, but she also merges a variety of influences enabling her to create an eclectic style that is all her own. Enter her shop and you are overwhelmed with the vibrant colors, diverse fabrics and unique patterns.

“As a designer, you’re an alchemist,” Montgomery told us. “Let’s not be stereotypical, but offer something other than what people expect.”

Her designs are fun, beautiful and affordable. From short jackets and dresses in vintage fabrics, to tees with Montgomery’s unique designs, chandelier earrings and decoupage card cases, Montgomery offers an array of fashion options.

Montgomery was born in Birmingham, Alabama, but grew up in New York City’s Harlem. She opened her first shop in SoHo in 1999, but after September 11th, relocated to Central Harlem where she is testing new ground. Her designs fuse elements of southern charm with cosmopolitan sophistication.

“My style is girly, childlike,” Montgomery explained. “I mix the grotesque with the beautiful to create something somewhat askew, but ahead of the curve.”

Montgomery is also taking stereotypes and turning them on their heads. For example, her cupie doll shoulder bag (pictured on the left) features an eye-catching African-American image of the 1920s and 30s iconic toy. She also creates her own original dolls, including “Baby Girl,” a Black toddler with cute, fluffy pigtails.

“I get to teach people about Black history 12 months out of the year,” she said. “I can take a controversial symbol and turn it into a positive.”

Montgomery has dressed Sting, Tyra Banks, Brandy, Erika Badu, Iman and many other celebrities, and her designs are followed in cities outside of New York, including Los Angeles, Paris, London and Tokyo. She also received the 1995 Vidal Sassoon Award for Style and the 1999 Absolut Vodka Style Award.

Hours: Wednesday through Saturday, 2:00-8:00 pm. Location: 2312 Seventh Ave. (at the corner of 136th St.), Central Harlem, New York City. Click here for Montgomery Boutique for more details or visit her MySpace page for more pictures and a fashion slideshow here.

In addition to Montgomery, check out nearby boutiques Aysa, Denim Library and B. Oyama’s Homme men’s shop. Also, grab a bite at Melba’s, one of Montgomery’s favorites in the area!