provided by Ellie Belle
If you are among the camp of people who consider fashion as art, then browsing the pristine interior of Ellie Belle’s first location in Eden Prairie will feel a bit like wandering through the Louvre. Designer couture, handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, and even handmade wedding gowns gleam from the racks as if they were timeless works of art—Givenchy, Chanel, Versace, you name it. And the one thing they all have in common? Their value is unmatched.
The designer boutique began as an online storefront in 2023, its upscale and tasteful offerings reflecting its founder’s lifelong love affair with fashion—and specifically, designer fashion. Born and raised in Nigeria before moving to the U.S. in 2011 (first to California then Minnesota, where she lives now), Stephnora Peterson’s global presence in the industry began as a distinguished and well-regarded shopper. Her love for travel led her to many of the world’s finest luxury boutiques, where she would develop relationships with shop owners and build her magnificent personal collection. These budding relationships eventually formed the foundations for Ellie Belle—a curated, appointment-only men and women’s boutique built on partnerships with luxury boutiques and brands across the world. And now, its doors are opening right here in the Twin Cities.
“We cater to the client who likes to be very purposeful in their shopping—they’re not spontaneous at all,” says Peterson. “The moment they walk in the door, everything is tailored to their preferences. The products we present to them, the price ranges we present to them, we structure the entire visit.”
The boutique’s strategic partnerships with luxury brands and boutiques—including three boutiques in Italy and iconic brands such as Versace and Larroudé (named brand of the year by Footwear News in 2024)—allow it to sell new designer products at discounted prices, a bargain that drove the boutique’s online platform to global popularity in 2023. And with the opening of its first brick-and-mortar location, Peterson aims to take this tailored shopping experience a step further.
“Ellie Belle was created to be service-oriented. That’s why don’t see a ton of products everywhere in the boutique (although the online storefront maintains over 10,000 products). If you don’t see what you’re looking for, just tell us what it is, and we’ll find it for you.”
Acting as your personal luxury shoppers, Peterson and her team’s vast connections in the industry allow them to track down any item at any time, whether you’re a bride, a luxury fashion enthusiast, or a hesitant newcomer looking to make an informed decision.
provided by Ellie Belle
“We had a bride come in yesterday with a specific requirement. She wanted a bridal shoe with pearls on it,” explains Peterson. “So, we went back to our collection to see what we have currently, and what we can bring in from Italy and other boutiques. We ended up presenting her with a list of 10 different shoe options, all within her price range.”
This service-oriented identity is also made possible by Ellie Belle’s master tailor, who makes custom alterations for clients in-house. In addition, Peterson’s team offers bridal fittings, custom embroidery, and bespoke creations.
“We’ve already had a few brides in, and we just make the experience really comfortable and fun—it’s all for them in that moment,” says Peterson. “Every time a client is here, during that hour, it is entirely their time. We never see two clients at the same time.”
While the majority of Ellie Belle’s offerings are unworn, shoppers also have access to a curated selection of pre-loved items from Peterson’s personal collection, dubbed the “Founder’s Edit.” From a mint-condition Chanel 22 bag that Peterson calls her “mommy bag,” to an archival collection of silky Hermes scarves, the edit not only gives shoppers a taste of Peterson’s personal style, but offers additional discounts on brand-authorized designer items in excellent condition.
Ellie Belle officially opens its doors on July 31, with plans to hold a grand opening celebration from 4-8 p.m. Shoppers can enjoy light refreshments, browse exclusive collections, and meet the team behind the globally recognized boutique.
You can pre-book your personal shopping appointment at Ellie Belle boutique online or over the phone. A small deposit of $75 is required upon booking, which will eventually go toward the shoppers’ purchase or be refunded if no purchase is made.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-6:30 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
16570 W. 78th St., Suite 120, Eden Prairie
provided by Ellie Belle
