10 questions with Melissa Richardson Akkaway the owner/buyer for the fashionable Beckley Boutique on Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
1. If you could tell the PDS readers a bit about yourself and about Beckley’s…
I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN LAS VEGAS AND WANTED TO BRING THE ORIGINAL BECKLEYS BACK BUT WITH A MODERN AND FEMININE TWIST. THE ORIGINAL STORE WAS A MEN’S STORE IN THE EARLY 1900’S AND FOCUSED ON TAILORING AND SERVICE. IT WAS RUN AND OWNED BY MY GREAT GRANDFATHER WILL BECKLEY.
2. How did you get in to the fashion business?
I ALWAYS LOVED FASHION EVEN FROM A YOUNG AGE. I CAN REMEMBER PICKING OUT MY ALL HOT PINK OUTFIT FOR MY 7TH BIRTHDAY PARTY AT A MINI GOLF PLACE. SO FUNNY! I WORKED ON THE LEASING SIDE OF RETAIL FOR MANDALAY BAY IN LAS VEGAS AND THEN WORKED IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS WHEN I MOVED TO LA BUT ALWAYS HAD A PASSION FOR FASHION. I WANTED TO CREATE A FUN SHOPPING EXPERIENCE WITH EXCELLENT SERVICE AND UNIQUE DESIGNERS.
3. Can you tell us who you have helped style recently? What events did they attend?
WE RECENTLY WORKED WITH PARIS HILTONS STYLIST AND SHE WORE A SASS AND BIDE STRAPLESS DRESS IN LAS VEGAS. ALSO WE HAVE WORKED WITH LALA VASQUEZ’S STYLIST AND SHE WORE A SASS AND BIDE JUMPSUIT. LASTLY KOURNEY KARDASHIAN WORE A MYNE STRAPLESS DRESS WHEN SHE WAS ON HER TRIP TO BORA BORA. ALL FROM BECKLEY!
4. What L.A. starlet do you think has the best style and why?
I LOVE HEIDI KLUM’S STYLE. SHE ALWAYS LOOK EFFORTLESS AND PULLED TOGETHER.
5. What is one piece of fashion advice that you have learned from experience and would like to pass on to others?
TRY SOMETHING NEW AND BE WILLING TO WORK OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE. YOU HAVE TO TRY ON EVERYTHING.
6. What is a go to red carpet look or outfit that never fails?
OF COURSE I LOVE BLACK BUT I LIKE TO POP THE DRESS WITH COLOR. EITHER COLOR IN THE BAG, SHOES OR JEWELRY.
7. Who is your favorite new fashion designer and why?
I LOVE SASS AND BIDE. THEIR CLOTHES ALWAYS HAVE AN EDGE AND ARE FUN AND COLORFUL.
8. What is one must have outfit or item for girls this summer?
EVERY GIRL NEEDS A GREAT PAIR OF DENIM SHORTS AND A GREAT STRAW HAT.
9. Where is your favorite place to grab a drink in L.A.?
I LIVE IN THE PALISADES SO I LOVE TO WATCH THE SUNSET WHILE SIPPING A COCKTAIL AT THE PENTHOUSE RESTAURANT AT THE HUNTLEY HOTEL.
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