A new dress agency has opened in Deeside offering preowned vintage and designer fashion for men and women.

Livi Loves Dress Agency has been established by owner Cristina Vettese after she trialled the concept running short-term pop-up shops during the summer.

The new venture is one of four new businesses which have joined the existing businesses at the complex since 2019.

Joining the established Milton Art Gallery and Milton Brasserie, Twin Peakes Fly Fishing now has a casting school and retail unit at the site, establishing the only fly-fishing shop on the banks of the River Dee.

This is complemented by destination company and shop Hidden Scotland and new venture White Stag Barrels and Whitesky Photographics.

With a love for fashion and design, Cristina trialled her dress agency during the summer. Following the success of her pop-up shops, Cristina decided to take the leap in October and make Livi Loves Dress Agency a more permanent feature at Milton of Crathes.

Cristina said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my weekends running the pop-up shop. It was a steep learning curve, but I quickly felt at home doing it. I just love meeting customers, hearing about trips or events that require a new outfit or why something special has just caught their eye.

“The whole process from picking a vintage or preloved piece of clothing, displaying it to show it off to its full potential and then seeing someone fall in love with it is just fantastic.

“I quietly opened the doors in October and have used the time to find out what customers are looking for in a more permanent shop. We now have a wide range of ladies clothing, accessories and shoes – from something special for a long-awaited night out or cosy jackets for meeting friends for a coffee or a walk.

“In time I am hoping to add some high-end men’s wear to the shop and I am also showcasing jewellery and art from Devona Jewellery, Jane Porter and Upcycled with Love furniture.”

David Smart, Leys Estate Group Chief Executive, said: “The past 20 months have been extremely challenging for the retail and leisure sector. As an Estate we recognised this and have worked hard to work with both existing and new tenants to support their businesses through this period of uncertainty.

“For Cristina, the pandemic gave her an opportunity to take her career in a new direction and we are delighted to be able to support her in this journey.

“The fact that we have a full complement of unique and very different businesses at Milton of Crathes hopefully shows that there are opportunities out there in the retail and leisure sector.”

The shop will be open Friday – Sunday between 10.30am and 4.30pm.

Follow Livi Loves Dress Agency on Facebook for the latest information from the team.

Businesses at the Milton of Crathes complex include Milton Art Gallery, Milton Brasserie, Hidden Scotland, TwinPeakes Fly Fishing, White Stag Barrels and Whitesky Photographics.