Nicole Vallario grew up in Yonkers and was schooled in Hastings before enrolling in the Fashion Institute of Technology and embarking on a career in international fashion marketing. This month she returns to the rivertowns to open a jewelry store in Irvington that features the creations of women from around the world.
“I am here curating an assortment of really talented designers,” she declared at a June 8th ribbon-cutting for her store, called Falena (Italian for “moth”). Her designers come from all over. “I have a designer from Montana and one from Stockholm.”
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“Sourcing globally,” her announcement claimed, “Nicole has expertly curated heirloom-worthy jewelry, home goods and gifts from the U.S., Sweden, France, and Italy, amongst others.”
The store, at 51 Main Street, is Vallario’s first venture into bricks-and-mortar sales, having previously sold “by way of pop-up experiences”. If the Irvington store succeeds, she says, there may be more stores in the future.
With promotional support from the Rivertowns Chamber of Commerce, Falena joins a series of recent business openings in the rivertowns—openings that have been celebrated by local government. Irvington Mayor Brian Smith spoke at the opening. There was a certificate from the office of State Assembly member MaryJane Shimsky, andCounty Legislator David Imamura presented Vallario with a framed proclamation declaring that June 12 will henceforth be known in Westchester as Falena Day and celebrated in neon above the County Center in White Plains.