Dynamite Designs, a Wallingford Dress Shop, Under New Management

This article was reported and written by Hamden Patch Editor Kathleen Ramunni.

Kristen Langan recently took over management of the specialty dress shop Dynamite Designs at 1157 North Colony Road. Wallingford Patch recently caught up with Langan to see what her plans are for the business.

What are you most excited about?

Since I recently relocated back to Wallingford from Hoboken, NJ, I am excited to be back in town, surrounded by friends and family, pursuing my dream of owning my own dress shop. It truly is a dream come true that I am able to pursue a career that I have always longed for.

What are your plans for the business?

My plan for the business is to update all aspects of the shop where Dynamite Designs by Kristen can be known as a specialty dress shop for women of all ages. I am also interested in expanding the product focus. The previous owner specialized in prom and bridal; however, I feel like there is additional opportunity and need in the area for the younger girls who also want a special occasion dress for formal or graduation purposes.
 
What is your background?

I am a Marist College graduate with a degree in Business and Fashion Merchandising. At Marist I had the opportunity to intern in Manhattan for small as well as large fashion companies, one of which being Vera Wang. At Vera Wang I was given an exposure to a different side of the business and with this understanding I gained a stronger appreciation of the fashion industry as a business and the importance of each area of specialty dresswear. 

After graduating I worked at the corporate office of The Children's Place as a buyer. I enjoyed the three years that I was with the company; however, I knew ultimately that I wanted to be back in Wallingford since home is where the heart is.
 
What made you want to get involved with the business now, especially in light of how hard the economic times are now?

Even though we are experiencing tough economic times I still feel that every girl and/or women deserves the experience of shopping at a specialty dress boutique. It is my hope that each customers experience upon entering the doors of Dynamite Designs by Kristen is enjoyable.  Here at the boutique we stress the motto 'Being yourself in a Dynamite dress is key!'