STYLE
FORTY YEARS OF STYLE AND EXCEPTIONAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
By Jacqui Chaisson | Photos: Lady Slipper
Lady Slipper Intimate Apparel & Accessories, a cherished boutique in downtown Charlottetown, proudly celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Established in the fall of 1985 by Debbie Matthews, the store has become a cornerstone of the local fashion scene, offering a curated selection of intimate apparel, clothing, and accessories.
Throughout its four-decade history, Lady Slipper has continually adapted to the ever-changing fashion landscape. The brands offered have evolved, reflecting current trends and customer preferences. Notably, the boutique has consistently prioritized Canadian designers, with approximately 80% of its inventory represented by "Made in Canada" or Canadian- owned companies. Premium brands like Joseph Ribkoff and Frank Lyman (exclusive) are among the offerings, underscoring the store's commitment to supporting Canadian talent. Lady Slipper distinguishes itself by providing personalized services such as professional bra fittings, ensuring that each customer finds the perfect fit. Beyond intimate apparel, the boutique offers a diverse range of products, including jewelry, handbags, scarves, hats, and the largest selection of cashmere on the Island. This comprehensive approach allows patrons to curate their entire look with ease. The boutique's success is largely attributed to its dedicated team, many of whom have been with Lady Slipper for years. Rita Ramsay, who joined in 1988, reflects on her experience: "I've had the privilege of working for Debbie since the summer of 1988. Through all the ups and downs that come with so many years in business, Debbie has consistently gone above and beyond, not only as a supportive leader but as a true friend. Her unwavering guidance and friendship have been a constant
W hile Matthews attended the at Holman's of PEI, an iconic Island department store, and later became VP of Merchandising. Her passion for retail during the early days at Holman's inspired Matthews to open her own store. The boutique's journey began in the Confederation Court Mall, where it occupied three different locations over the years, including the Fashion Access spot at the top of the escalators. In 2015, Lady Slipper relocated to its current address at 65 Queen Street. business program at UPEI, she worked as a buyer ABOVE (L-R): Guillia Usanova, Florence Drake, Rita Ramsay, Carolyn MacKinnon BELOW: Debbie Matthews and Max (photo: Tatiana Zharkikh)
PEI LIVING MAGAZINE / 76 / VOL 8 . ISSUE 3
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