Shop brings formal wear to small-town Iowa

With years of alteration experience, Northwood local Brittany Low began working independently as a seamstress in 2017. By the end of the year, she had turned her business into a formal wear shop named Fringe and Lace by Brittany.

Fringe and Lace By Brittany carries four different designers and six main collections. Low sells dresses for bridal, bridesmaids, mothers and prom, and suits for men.

According to Low, she is particular about the designers she carries. She looks specifically at fabric qualities and construction to ensure quality and reasonably priced products for her customers.

“I don’t want to put gowns out that are poor quality, but I don’t want them to break the bank either,” said Low. “All of the (bridal) gowns in the store range on average $1,200-2,200… I promise you that it is the best quality that is out there.”

The business consists of Low, another seamstress and a couple of salespeople. Low said she “couldn’t function without them” and claims she and her team are confident in their abilities and proud of their alteration skills.

“It’s nice to be able to trust that I will have help and support,” Low said. “It’s nice that I can be away from the store and not have to worry.”

Before starting her business, those around Low had some concerns about whether or not she would be able to run a successful business in a small town like Northwood. Low never doubted that she could do it.

Fringe and Lace By Brittany pulls customers not only from Clear Lake, Mason City and Albert Lea but also from Des Moines, Rochester, Cedar Rapids and other farther-out significant cities.

“I’m bringing the latest and greatest designs that you’ll find in big metro areas, but I’m bringing them to Northwood,” said Low. “So if you like that kind of boutique, intimate feel, I think that is what made us so unique overall, and probably what has made us as successful as we are too.”

Those interested in shopping through Fringe and Lace By Brittany can book an appointment on its website at fringeandlacebybrittany.com.