Designer helping to breathe ‘new life’ into Valley downtowns
DERBY — For designer Agathe Likoba, looking your best — even during a pandemic — never goes out of style.
That’s why Likoba, who owns Likoba Boutique at 25 Elizabeth St., continues to create her signature line of ladies’ couture jumpsuits and even launched a new product line.
Likoba’s latest line of high-end jumpsuits, dubbed the “PostPandemic” collection, recently made its debut on the runway during Fashion Week in Atlantic City. While the COVID-19 pandemic is yet to reach its “post” stages, Likoba named the collection as such in order to inspire all to hang on until life can slowly return back to normal.
“Post-Pandemic is to give hope that we will get out of this,” she said. “Together we will fashionably be able to dress up again, go out and socialize, attend events, galas, charity … the Oscars.”
When the pandemic hit in early March, Likoba shut her boutique doors and didn’t reopen until mid-June. But that didn’t stop her from continuing to run the business online, where the jumpsuits, and new line of men’s sunglasses and fitness jumpsuits she created while working abroad in Paris, have been “selling like hotcakes.”
The fitness jumpsuits represent a more laid-back style compared to Likoba’s haute couture jumpsuits (of which pop singer Rihanna is a fan), but are just as fashionable in their own right. Likoba said the idea to create them struck while she was working out. She posts workout videos on social media to help motivate women and keep them healthy while “we’re all stuck at home, eating like crazy.”
Many viewers inquired about what Likoba was wearing during her workouts, so it was only natural for Likoba to design the new line of fitness wear, she said.
Even before Likoba officially launched the fitness jumpsuits online, she received 55 preorders within 48 hours, and has since sold out of them online twice.
The new line also includes masks and gloves.
The men’s sunglasses also were a success online for Likoba, who said once they hit, they sold out in a week.
“They are high-end, chic and luxurious looking with an elegant prestige packaging … making men feel special,” she said.
As a small-business owner, surviving a pandemic hasn’t come without challenges, but with customer loyalty, an aggressive social media presence and a generous landlord who cut her some slack on the rent, Likoba is defying the odds.
“I use social as my best tool to get customers and stay visible and active,” she said. “What I can say is that Instagram and Facebook generated a lot of business for me.”
The African-born Likoba, who grew up in France surrounded by fashion, just marked her two-year anniversary downtown, and Mayor Richard Dziekan is pleased to see the boutique thriving.
“Agathe is amazing,” Dziekan said. “She has found a way to thrive despite the challenges presented by the pandemic. In addition to her business sense, she has been a thoughtful and generous member of our community. We’re glad to have her and wish her and Likoba Boutique continued success.”
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce President Bill Purcell concurred.
“With so many national retailers struggling for survival, it is heartening to see specialty stores like Likoba Boutique thrive during these difficult times,” Purcell said.
“This is a credit to Agathe’s entrepreneurial spirit and creative genius in the world of fashion for women, and increasingly for men,” he said. “Taken together, women-owned businesses like Likoba are breathing new life into our Valley downtowns, for which the Chamber is truly grateful.”