You’ve found your dress, your bridesmaids, and the groom’s attire — but what about the mothers’ and grandmothers’ looks? That’s where Frank Murphy comes in. Read on to learn about their newest location and how their one-on-one service will help make your family look and feel fabulous.
Q: Let’s get to it, what’s your business’ specialty?
A: Frank Murphy specializes in special occasion dresses – Black Tie, Gala, Mother of Bride or Groom, Grandmother of Bride and Groom. We have everything from special occasion to everyday statement pieces to incredible casual wear.
Q: Where can we find you?
A: Rosedale Mall next to Williams Sonoma (1595 Hwy 36 West, #905, Roseville, MN 55113)
Q: Tell us when and how your business began.
A: Since its beginnings in 1931, at the corner of 5th Street and St. Peter in downtown St. Paul, Frank Murphy has carried a legacy like no other, bringing the latest fashion movements to the Midwest. It grew into an iconic retail institution known for couture fashion and its annual Give Away Sale. In 2013, Frank Murphy re-opened under new ownership featuring everything from special occasion to everyday statement pieces, catering to each generation with the full range of sizes and price-points.
Q: What makes your company unique from others?
A: Our one-on-one service is spectacular. We want picking out a dress for a son or daughter’s wedding to be a very special experience for our customers!
Q: How long have you been in the industry? What do you think has changed the most since then?
A: I have been in the fashion industry for over 25 years! When I first got into the industry styles from head to toe were very decadent. It was the 80’s and 90’s, where formal wear was influenced by TV shows like Dynasty and Dallas. Today, all forms of media have been a major catalyst in the importance of the shopping experience for everything and everyone involved in the wedding day. Dressing the mother and grandmother of the bride and groom has become as important and relevant as the bridesmaids and the rest of the wedding party. In many cases it is as much fun for the mothers and grandmothers to say “yes to the dress” as it is the bride. All of us at Frank Murphy like to make that experience for mothers and grandmothers very special.
Q: Walk us through your average day.
A: Working one-on-one throughout the day with customers is by far the most important role for any of our sales consultants.
Q: What would you want women searching for your business type to know?
A: We have a fabulous selection, quality and one-on-one service. We can special order most special occasion dresses if we do not have your size or style. We have on staff, Holly Barr, who does in house alterations. She is a fabulous seamstress who fits our customers every Thursday from 1-5pm in our store or by appointment.
Q: How far in advance should the mother/grandmothers of the couple book with you?
A: We love as much time as possible before a wedding date but have a large inventory of dresses that can be bought right off the rack and tailored by our in-house tailor, Holly Barr.
Q: What’s your favorite wedding fashion trend lately?
A: Colors have become seasonless. Brides are wanting to select a color then allow their bridesmaids to showcase their personalities rather than putting them all in the same dress. Mixing and matching styles with contrasting colors and styles has become very personal. Mothers of the Bride and Groom are still loving floor length dresses with lots of embellishments.
Q: What trends can we expect to see more of this year?
A: People are moving into higher quality, well-made garments and bridesmaids are moving more to simple, more well-made dresses.
Q: What’s your best piece of advice for people on the hunt for their gown?
A: Buy what you feel like an absolute queen in but make sure it is comfortable. Mothers and Grandmothers want to be able to dance the night away while looking and feeling great!
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Q: Do you have any favorite podcasts?
A: Ted Talks and anything from Brene Brown.
Q: Who’s your most played artist on your streaming service?
A: Adele & Snow Patrol
Q: Heels or flats?
A: Heels
Q: Mountains or Beach?
A: Beach
Q: Go-to cocktail (or mocktail)?
A: Rum & Tonic with lime or a great sangria.
Q: When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: A clothing designer or own my own clothing company
Q: Go-to comfort food?
A: Steak and corn on the grill.
Q: Duck Duck Grey Duck or Duck Duck Goose?
A: I grew up in Iowa so Duck Duck Goose. I had no idea why people were saying Duck Duck Grey Duck when I moved to Minnesota in 2005.
Thanks for the insight, Shelley! Check them out at their newest spot at Rosedale mall to get a head start on planning wedding fashion for your loved ones.
And for more fashion inspiration, check out our growing list of experts here.
All images courtesy of Frank Murphy Fashions
