With a focus on the quality and design of its inventory, the fashion boutique known as
Substance strives to sell its customers clothing that will stay fashionable for years by rejecting the seasonal craze that tends to encourage fashionistas to completely “update” their wardrobe.
Instead, Substance practices sustainability by offering durable and fashionable products that are projected to stay fashionable four to five years longer than other garments.
“We sell the clothes you keep,” said Christina Getachew, founder and owner of the fashion boutique Substance. “That’s our motto.”
Getachew adopted this attitude toward fashion after working in the industry in New York City for years. While she still does business with many East Coast designers, she has a special appreciation for community-driven initiatives that encourage locals to interact.
Substance takes great pride in showcasing locally designed and sourced items, including Molly Sullivan’s “Metal Bark” line of jewelry and knitwork by Pauline Sung. Rachell Wagers, a co-op student from the University of Cincinnati’s school of
Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, currently tends the store and offers clothing of her own making.
Located in Over-the-Rhine, this is the second Substance in operation—the original location is in Columbus. A prerequisite for Substance to open for business is that it is located in a revitalized building, and reuses older locations instead of wasting the resources to build another storefront.
“It’s nice because the buildings already have their own character,” said Getachew.
With an array of high-end but affordable women’s clothing and accessories, Substance is a fashionable addition to OTR’s line of storefronts.
By Sean Peters
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