A neon red-lit sign blinks above cashiers at Beth Buccini’s boutique at Palm Beach’s newly revitalized The Royal Poinciana Plaza. Flashing on and off is the phonetic spelling “KEER-NAH” “ZAH-BETT.” It’s there so new customers learn to pronounce Buccini’s luxury women’s concept, Kirna Zabête.
Behind the Name
When Buccini and her former business partner were brainstorming a name for the store, they wanted to make sure it had personality. While Buccini was studying in Paris as an undergrad, her host family would refer to her as Zabête, short for the French name Elizabete, which stuck long after her time abroad. Her friend was given the college nickname, Kirna—thus came Kirna Zabête.
Time to Shop
The inside welcomes shoppers with glossy pink walls surrounding racks and mannequins donning high-end fashions from noteworthy designers. Buccini worked with interior designer Steven Gambrel to bring an urban-chic vibe to her Palm Beach boutique, complete with 6-foot, custom-made chandeliers.
The designer room features picks from Balenciaga, Stella McCartney, Johanna Ortiz, Calvin Klein, Loewe and Gucci, among others. It connects to the “archway of fun” as Buccini calls the accessories hallway that’s filled with elegant and funky jewelry, cross-body bags and other baubles. The shoe lounge comes next with a large velvet banquette where shoppers can sit to try on stylish pairs by Valentino and Gianvito Rossi to Golden Goose sneakers and Birkenstocks. A section for swimwear, coverups and casual attire rounds out the selection inside the 3,000-square-foot store.
“I want to dress a woman seven days a week, so you’re not wearing Dior every day, though we all wish we could probably,” Buccini says laughing. “We all still need an easy little dress or a great pair of cutoffs and a T-shirt.”
For the past 18 years since launching the first Soho-based Kirna Zabête, Buccini has made sure to showcase a mix of designers, those who are already established to those who are new and up-and-coming. “I always want to have the best [selections] of the most important designers of today and tomorrow,” she says.
This season, shop can’t-miss pieces including the Mark Cross manray tote, constructed out of woven rattan with calfskin leather trim; Gucci Jordaan loafers, featuring gold hardware; and the Johanna Ortiz off-the-shoulder bustier with an all-over checkered print, a twisted design at the center and puff sleeves.
“The joy of shopping in a store is the discovery,” Buccini says. “I think it’s fun to have lots of different things to discover.”
Kirna Zabête, 340 Royal Poinciana Way, Ste. 305, Palm Beach / 561.791.6075 / kirnazabete.com
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