Inspired by the romance of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Santa Barbara–based sisters Misha and Nila Myers are bringing a new concept of lingerie and loungewear to women worldwide. Their company is called Fair Verona, and they describe their products as “loungerie.” Made from soft chiffon, smooth silk, and French lace, these are not your standard undergarments but unique pieces specifically created for the professional woman and the demands of busy life.
From lace rompers that could easily be paired with jeans and heels for after-work cocktails to robe dresses with chiffon detail, perfect for early-morning coffee or a flight, “Just change the accessories,” said Nila. Avid travelers, the sisters draw much of their inspiration from exotic locales they visit — most recently Monaco and Bali — so the designs have an international feel and look.
Misha dreamed up the lingerie line while working as a bartender; Nila, after she finished her master’s in forensic criminology in Australia, came to California to join her. Together, they launched Fair Verona, and in the nearly two years since they began the business, the response has been breathtaking. “There is nothing like us on the market,” said Misha. The sisters know the market well. They recently returned from a lingerie trade show in Las Vegas and are heading to New York soon to meet with some big new clients, including the boho-chic retailer Free People.
The difference between Fair Verona and your average lingerie or bedroom attire is that everything else is structural. Other lines are specifically designed to do one thing, like hold your breasts in place, Misha explained, but Fair Verona’s pieces are “layering pieces,” she said. “You can wear them at home and feel sexy and wear them out and feel sexy.” All the garments are designed in Misha’s home office and are manufactured in Los Angeles. The pieces range in size from extra-small to large and are designed to look great on all body types.
Their recent collection, inspired by a trip to Monaco, is tremendously popular. The robe dress that Nila was wearing when I met with her and her sister is in about 20 stores and will be added to “a bunch more.” But the sisters are impatient; they want to be big, they said — really big. “But we still want to stay true to the vision and the designs, and we hope the buyers keep buying,” said Nila.
Getting face time with a buyer, according to Nila, was one of the hardest parts of starting the business. More than once, she encountered a closed door but believed in the designs and knew that once others saw them, they would, too. “Once I got in front of the buyer, my rate of making the sale was 99 percent,” she continued.
Misha and Nila offered a teaser of their newest undertaking — Fair Verona will be adding a dress line. Inspired by the bohemian art nouveau painter Alphonse Mucha, the line will feature flowy floor-length dresses with his motifs, such as flowers and gilt jewelry, and his color palette of peach and gold. To sneak a peek at all of Fair Verona’s designs, sizes, and prices, as well as a list of retailers that sell its items, visit fairverona.com.