Liza Fragomele always wanted to open her own store.
The 28-year-old Wilmington native got her start in the fashion world by interning for Beth Buccini‘s luxury boutique, Kirna Zabête, which has a flagship location in SoHo and another on Pennsylvania’s Main Line. The internship turned into a job in the e-commerce department, followed by a position as an associate buyer.
But after years of the New York City grind, Fragomele felt ready to return home. “I always knew I was going to come back [to Wilmington],” she says. “I was looking for a slower-paced lifestyle.”
Fragomele returned home to do what she always knew she would: launch a boutique of her own. Trudy, which opened on March 15, is located in Trolley Square on the corner of Delaware Ave., previously home to the consignment shop Déjà Vu.
Her father, Joe Fragomele, runs Colonial Construction and helped her transform the space. “We completely gutted it,” she says. “It took nine months from start to finish.”
The result is a laidback casual boutique, named after Fragomele’s mother and filled with fashion-forward finds.
Merchandise ranges from evening dresses and blouses to candles and perfume. Jewelry, handbags, books and cards are also available.
Labels include MOTHER Denim, A.L.C., Ganni, and Pam & Gela.
While Trudy has only been open for a few weeks, Fragomele says the community response has been amazing. “A lot of neighborhood people are stopping in and saying ‘thank you,’” she says, “which is a boost of confidence.”
More information:
Trudy
1801 Delaware Ave., Wilmington
302-516-7406 • Facebook • Instagram
