Photographs by Whitney Curtis

Meghan Fort and her mother, Cynthia Carmody, dreamed of opening a dress shop that would cater to the needs of St. Louis women, whether it be for a casual weekend event or black-tie affair. As fate would have it, a perfect space (one they “would have waited years for”) opened up just as the ink was drying on their business plan. The dream recently became reality in a sunny storefront in The Market Place in Ladue. As The Little Black Dress celebrated its opening in February, we talked with Fort, a former visual merchandiser for Louis Vuitton with a degree in interior design.

How do you set yourself apart from other boutiques in St. Louis? We try to bring new brands to St. Louis and only order a few of each style, so the dress remains special. No one wants to spend money on a dress and see it on several other women at an event. With dresses starting at $80, our price point allows women to buy two or three dresses throughout the year instead of one. Also, we strive to make the store a one-stop shop-customers can pick up the dress, handbag, jewelry and hat.

I noticed the hats—tell me about them. We feel women in this city really want hats, but there are few options. Ours are created by Gabriel Amar, a milliner in Brooklyn, and are perfect for the Kentucky Derby or a hot, sunny day in
St. Louis.

Do you carry any designers exclusively in this city? Quite a few. Mina Mann is a Parisian designer who makes beautiful handmade organza wraps that are also sold in art museum shops around the world. Flora King, who has reemerged since her career in the 1980s, has a style very similar to Emilio Pucci, but at a much more affordable price, with great quality and craftsmanship. We also exclusively carry Basix II, Shani and Flores & Flores.

I also see that you carry resort wear. An important designer for us is Manuel Canovas from France. He only does one collection a year that includes resort clothing, bathing suits and handbags. His fabrics are bright and fun, and the tote bags are beautiful.

Any tips for buying a dress for a big night out? Always bring your shoes and undergarments when fitting for a dress. This is key to knowing what the dress will really look like on.