A KENTUCKY LADY FINDS HER NICHE IN LAS VEGAS
Victoria Giroux’s Las Vegas legacy began when she traveled from Kentucky to visit family in a suburb where The Strip was only a silhouette in the background of a vibrant life and community. Victoria noticed Las Vegas had so much to offer: entertainment, fantastic food, outdoor activities, travel ease via car or plane, and an energetic fashion community. But despite all the offerings the fashion and shopping industry provided, she noticed something was missing: a formal wear retailer catering to the prom and pageant scenes.
After an abundance of market research, Victoria decided to leave her Kentucky home, move her husband and young girls to Vegas, and start a brick and mortar business. But the decision didn’t come easily. A Kentucky native, Victoria was a local community fixture. She was plugged in, involved, and genuinely cared about her Kentucky community. She even ran for city council! She was a state pageant director, and ardent supporter of Miss Priss Prom and Pageant, a store many consider to be the premier retailer for the best prom and pageant attire in the South. “I knew if I wanted to be successful with my own store, I needed to bring high-quality products as well as a chic buying experience to my customers, just like Miss Priss,” said Victoria. But despite her strong southern roots, the pull of Vegas and the opportunity to fill a void in our business community helped make the decision to move nearly 2,000 miles west easy.
During one of the last visits to family in Vegas before her family’s big move, Victoria and her husband found their current store space on South Grand Canyon Drive. “It was perfect timing for us,” said Victoria. “We happened to be in town, the space was available to view, and it was in our preferred location. We leased the space that day and started design plans immediately.”
Shortly after, their move west was complete. With the store space customized to her exact specifications, dresses hanging on the racks, and Instagram-worthy nooks created throughout, Victoria was ready for her grand opening……..
In March.
We all know what comes next: the unfathomable impact of COVID 19. Although Victoria officially opened in regards to the clerical start of a business, her store was shuttered temporarily like so many others. Once restrictions were lifted, her doors opened and her beautiful space was finally showcased for our community to see. With expansive floor space, Victoria has hosted small events and boutique fashion shows. She even has a back room with nearly floor to ceiling mirrors perfect for photoshoots, walking, and posing practice.
Victoria Claire’s carries some of the finest names in the gown and formal attire business: Sherri Hill, Johnathan Kayne, and many others. I interviewed Victoria for this article shortly after she returned from a trade show in Atlanta. She brought back several incredible gowns by international designers that were absolutely gorgeous. Think formal event at The White House or Governor’s Ball classy, elegant, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Victoria shared with me she plans to carry several of those gowns with the intent of filling a void in the gala gown market once COVID 19 restrictions are lifted for large events.
I love how she thinks!
If you have a pageant adventure in your future or would like to prepare early for a favorite charity gala that will eventually return to a once booming Las Vegas social scene, stop in at Victoria Claire’s or check out their website! Victoria has an incredible eye for your personal style and will make sure you have a dress you love.
