Carmel Magazine

038-066 Shortcuts_SU05 Carmel Magazine 4/22/13 3:01 PM Page 10 SHORTCUTS BUSINESS Photo: Kelli Uldall Madrigal Offers Time Tested Fashions Fashion designer Marian Mizelle continues to run Madrigal, a popular women's fashion boutique in Carmel, assisted by her Corgis. The expanded store in the Carmel Plaza now has men's wear, an added bonus since the store opened in 1976. t was 1976: Ben Crenshaw wins the Bing Crosby National Pro-Am. Jimmy I Carter was selected 39th President. Stephen Wozniak and Steven Jobs founded Apple Computer. "Play That Funky Music," "Silly Love Songs" filled the airwaves. Elliot and Marian Mizelle opened Madrigal in the Carmel Plaza. Mort and Gay Gibson—she quickly climbed the ladder, seeing work fea- tured on the cover of Seventeen magazine. Many of her design sketches adorn the walls of Madrigal today. At first, Madrigal occupied one shop space, offering only women's fash- Commonalities between the Carmel of 1976 and 2013 are rare ions. Today, the store encompasses four storefronts and features a full line the-sea, the quaint streets, the close community…and Madrigal, purveyors "They return year after year." Store manager Christine Lee agrees. "Coming indeed. There are a few: the natural, bucolic beauty of our little village-byof classic, elegant fashions for men and women. "Fashion is ever-lasting," Marian Mizelle says, "it's not a fad." There's the secret to Madrigal's longevity in a nutshell. The Mizelles' dedication to timeless elegance in clothing, shoes and accessories has allowed them to of menswear as well. "We have a very loyal customer base," Mizelle says. to Madrigal is like a destination for many people," she says. Lee has worked there for more than two decades, loving every minute. "It's a very special place, like a second home for employees and customers alike." That kind of loyalty is uncommon in today's world. Elliot passed away flourish and persevere. in 2007, and Marian runs the show—along with her champion brood of fever. Elliot had worked in hospitality while Marian had found her niche as to make history every day. Madrigal opened July 1, 1976, greeting an America full of Bicentennial a fashion designer. "I originally wanted to be an actress," the sprightly, vibrant Mizelle says. "Eventually, I decided to attend design school." Designing dresses for several well-known labels of the day—including Mr. 54 C ARMEL MAGAZINE•SPRING/SUMMER 2013 Cardigan Welsh Corgis. Madrigal has stood the test of time and continues Madrigal is located on Mission between Ocean and 7th in Carmel. 831/624-3477. —Michael Chatfield

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