The Localista Finds Brazil on Beach Drive

The Localista can’t believe how much Beach Drive has changed in so little time! From world-class museums to restaurants that recreate the Riviera for a weekend, it certainly feels like we’re living in a chic city. Given all the growth, I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that a new boutique had opened on Beach Drive on May 18th called Bella Moda. You might assume the name, which means “beautiful fashion,” is a nod to Italy, but it means the same thing in Brazil and the designers featured in the shop all hail from that gorgeous South American country.

Both Brazil and the ‘Burg are a long way from the Northern European country of Lithuania, which is where the shop’s co-owner, Rita Papeckyte, is from. With a mother who made clothes and an aunt who was a designer, Rita was exposed to fashion from a young age. Rita, herself, studied fashion design and decided to leave the Baltic States behind after graduating to “expand her horizons.” That led her to Chicago and New York, the latter being where she met her other half, a St. Pete native, who convinced her to join him here. Rita was working at Coco Brazil when the owner decided to close the boutique on 400 Beach, but recommended that Rita open her own shop, which she would help stock with the Brazilian designs she would now sell wholesale. Rita jumped at the opportunity, whereas a few years ago, she and her partner would have never considered opening a place Downtown.



Bella Moda’s space is very inviting and upscale. Paintings by T.W. Curtis line the walls creating a mini gallery of his work. Italian leather furniture from an exclusive Sarasota retailer, also available for sale, beckons you to sit and stay awhile. The owners were going for a “Manhattan meets South Beach look” and it’s definitely the perfect setting for the simply stunning clothing, swimwear and accessories. 

The Brazilian designers represented are well known in international fashion circles and include Morena Rosa, Maria Valentina and Zinco. In fact, Naomi Campbell represented Morena Rosa’s spring line this year. The designers may be renowned, but the designs are one-of-a-kind. You won’t find these super stylish tops and dresses anywhere else as they’re only sold in boutiques, not chain department stores, with only 65 shops in the whole country carrying them. You can also find the unique jewelry collection of Barb McSweeney at Bella Moda. It was exciting to learn that Rita’s own designs will soon be seen in the store too. Coco Chanel said that “in order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” Well, you needn’t worry about someone else showing up at the party wearing your same dress when you shop here! 

Speaking of parties, Bella Moda will be throwing a rather large one this Saturday to celebrate their Grand Opening (see details below). They’re even closing down Beach Drive from Central Avenue to 1st Avenue for the event!  I was incredibly pleased to learn that half of those participating in the fashion show are actually Bella Moda’s customers, proving that you don’t have to be a professional model to “work it.” 

Coco Chanel also said that “fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”  Undoubtedly, a lot is happening in this wonderful ‘Burg of ours and Bella Moda is a very welcome, ultra-fashionable addition.

The Localista always asks business owners what was their favorite book as a child.  Rita always read fairly intense books, even as a child, when one of her favorites had to do with the war in Germany.  In her teens she discovered Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, which is still her favorite to this day, as she strongly believes that “when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Bella Moda is located at 30 Beach Drive, NE and is open Mon-Thu from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, Fri & Sat from 11:00 am to 8:00 pm and Sun from 12:00 to 5:00 pm.
727-623-9981
 
 
Bella Moda’s Grand Opening is this Saturday, June 25, from 7-10 pm.
There will be a fashion show featuring the Bella Moda collection with hair styling by Number9 Salon. Special guest, expert stylist Laura Hunt from Freeway Fashion, will be giving an image/style presentation on how to dress best for your body type.  Laura’s actually flying in from New York especially for the event.  A silent auction of amazing items will be held benefitting Heels to Heal. Entertainment will include dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio and the Shawn Brown Band will be performing. Food and drinks will be provided by Puff ‘n Stuff Catering and will also benefit Heels to Heal.

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“The Localista,” aka Olga Bof, will be opening her own local and independent business, Cheeky Monkeys Books & Toys, later this year in Downtown St. Pete (www.facebook.com/cheekymonkeysbooks for updates).

Photography provided by Featured Artist of the Burg (FAB) Sheri Kendrick of Enchanted Forest Photography (www.efpgallery.com).

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