STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — The most unique aspect about the newly opened Something Blü Bridal boutique is its décor: Featuring a Versace-patterned grass wall, spacious two-level floor plan, bright, chandelier-illuminated dressing rooms and rooftop sitting area, the loft-style space is not your average bridal salon. There’s a posh VIP ambience, champagne-accompanied appointments and a lavish customizable event space too. And then, of course, there are the dresses.
“I’ve built an inventory of lots of unique styles – a mix of posh dresses and slimmer, alternative silhouettes that are perfect for smaller weddings, elopements and rehearsal dinners,” noted Miriam Nosseir, owner of the chic West Brighton shop which recently hosted a soft opening. “The styles here are so unique and gorgeous, just like the shop itself.”
Situated on a busy stretch of Forest Ave. between Bement and N. Burgher, the shop, which is illuminated in blue each night, is hard to miss. Sleek and modern, the building is surrounded by other retail destinations and easily visible to passers-by – a feature which Nosseir is planning to capitalize on.
Situated on a busy stretch of Forest Ave. between Bement and N. Burgher, the shop, which is illuminated in blue each night, is surrounded by other retail destinations and easily visible to passers-by – a feature which Nosseir is planning to capitalize on.(Photo courtesy of Steve White/Staten Arts Photography)
“It’s such a pretty and unique space – we plan on renting it out for events, photo shoots and more,” Nosseir said, describing an additional arm of her business called Something Blü Creative Studio. “We’ve made our boutique transformable with collapsible racks and purchased event-style tables and chairs. Our rooftop is the perfect spot for lunch or a sunset soiree. There’s a very Manhattan feel here and we want to share it.”
Nosseir, who has worked in human resources for years, says it has always been her dream to be an entrepreneur.
A Versace patterned grass wall is a focal point of the shop’s entrance. (Photo courtesy of Steve White/Staten Arts Photography)
“I worked in retail management years ago and opening a shop like this has always been a goal and a dream,” she said. “The goal was to become an entrepreneur, and the dream was to work in wedding fashion.”
The shop owner, who is 29, says she has never been married and has never gone through the shopping experience herself, but has always felt a kinship with the process.
“When I was just six or seven, I would spend my weekends binge watching marathons of ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ with my older sister,” Nosseir said, detailing her obsession with the TLC show. “I’ve also shopped with friends and family members for their big day and I know how detailed the process can be. When you’re in pursuit of the perfect gown it’s an emotional time. You shouldn’t get pushed out of the fitting room after you’ve reached a time limit or tried on too many gowns. I have a strong background in customer service and I wanted to use that to bring the best possible experience to Staten Island brides and their families.”
The boutique and creative studio can serve as a backdrop for a range of public and private events. (Photo courtesy of Steve White/Staten Arts Photography)
In addition to wedding gowns, Nosseir offers a chic line of bridal lingerie imported from Bellarus, plus lots of eveningwear styles appropriate for wedding guests and bridesmaids. And there’s plenty of exclusives too: According to the shop owner, Israeli dress designer Adam Zohar — who has select rights to the Valentino fabric – recently named Something Blü Bridal as his flagship location for the NYC area.
“This means that Something Blü will be the only location in NYC where brides can find these exclusive fabrics and dress designs,” Nosseir said.
Dressing room are decorated with chandeliers and feature ample sitting space. (Photo courtesy of Steve White/Staten Arts Photography)
Something Blü will start taking dress appointments as of Sept. , and the store is also readying for the Prom 2023 season. Nosseir directs potential clients to her Instagram page @somethingblu.bridal for news and directives on how to book an event.
“We’re open to hosting all kinds of functions,” Nosseir concluded. “Pop-up shops, fun dress-up parties, bridal showers and more. It’s unique and gorgeous here, and we can’t wait to be a strong part of the Staten Island business community.”
Miriam Nosseir recently launched Something Blu Bridal, a boutique in West Brighton that specializes in unique formal attire. (Photo courtesy of Steve White/Staten Arts Photography)
