Wendy Pepper's dream to establish a thriving fashion business in the Northern Virginia she loves is coming true with the help of Mark Metzger at his superb new Virginia shop, Highcliffe Clothiers, at 16 Madison Street in Middleburg. Pepper, the Project Runway finalist who took the country by storm during the Bravo Network show's premier season with her delightfully original designs and her spirited sense of fair play, wanted nothing more than to work in Northern Virginia near Oatlands Plantation where she had lived as a child.

"I'm an artist, not a retailer," she mused. "My motivation and drive as a fashion designer are unparalleled, but designing alone in an atelier took me away from the interaction with public style that feeds my creativity." "It's wonderful to have a clientele who rely on me for $5,000 and $10,000 dresses, but I wanted so much more. My ideal was to create a ready-to-wear line that would be much more affordable than the couture pieces," she explained.

When Mark Metzger, a well-known Washington, D.C., retailer, decided to open a shop in Middleburg, he asked Wendy if she would like to join him as a designer in the shop. "It was the kindest offer anyone has ever made to me," Pepper said. "I've never designed men's clothing, but when gentlemen asked me for help, I always sent them to Mark. He is absolutely the best gentlemen's tailor on the East Coast and, as anyone knows who's been in the shop, he's a brilliant retailer." Metzger was also just named President of The Custom Tailors and Designers Association, a tribute to his expertise and standing in the profession.

When you shop in Highcliffe Clothiers, you could just as easily be in Jermyn Street in London as in Middleburg. From the elegant array of socks and trousers to the crisp and stylish shirts, ties, sweaters and jackets, it is clear that Metzger buys for the most discriminating man of the world. His selection of shirting and wools is exquisite, and he is immensely comfortable working with the most demanding clients. "Even the furnishings and small, unique items are stupendous," Wendy went on, "I am so happy here."

When she was competing on Project Runway, Wendy knew she wanted somehow to return to Hunt County to establish a business. Although Middleburg is not yet known as a fashion capital there is no question that many of the new shops that have opened in the past few years have added stylish luster to the local retail scene. "There is better shopping in Middleburg than in Tyson's or Washington, D.C.," Pepper noted. "And we intend to make an important contribution to the Hunt Country economy."

Pretty World

Wendy designs all the time, she says, and by the time Mark was ready to open Highcliffe Clothiers she had sketches and designs for a colorful and original ready-to-wear line for her 'Pretty World' brand. With inspiration from Santa Barbara, Cannes, Portofino and Palm Beach, Pretty World pieces offer customers easy, elegant knit tops, leggings, shirts and skirts that one will not find anywhere else. "Eventually, the Pretty World line will be available in fine stores and shops worldwide," Pepper explained. "But, it will always debut in Middleburg and it will always be available first at Highcliffe."

In fact, Wendy is already introducing new pieces that she's sewn herself at the shop. "Once I'm inspired, I positively have to make the garment to see how it will look. My customers will often find a one-of-a-kind original that is priced well within the Pretty World price range."

Pretty World pieces are priced from $85 to $180 and the line equates with what one finds in the fine sportswear rooms at Bergdorf Goodman, Barneys and Neiman Marcus. "Mark and I agree that our goal is to create an ethical, customer-driven service that sets us apart from the many retailers who simply do not cater to their customers. We want our customers to have the very best, whether it's a $12,000 wedding dress or a $20 alteration."

Both Wendy and Mark are determined to ensure that Middleburg becomes a destination for people of all ages who appreciate the best, people who want their clothes to reflect their individuality and sense of style. For women who have not been able to find a new summer skirt that flatters, flounces and feels terrific, Wendy's mixed pastels with knitted waistbands are a must. Some are eyelet, some silky lightweight cottons, but all are original. The Pretty World knit tops are truly spectacular. Simply but beautifully styled, they are available in a range of fabrics that would impress on the boardwalk or on the runway.

The one-of-a-kind piece available right now is a darling pale blue knit jacket that Wendy woke up thinking about a few days ago. It's neatly nipped back and impeccably stitched belt give just enough fit to compliment everyone's figure whether it is worn over a t-shirt, a trapeze dress or with one of the Pretty World skirts. As Wendy said, "…there is only one of that jacket, and the price is $135. If I decide to make it for my couture collection it will be thousands more."

And therein lies the beauty of having a designer like Wendy Pepper available to all at Highcliffe Clothiers in Middleburg. You may stop by any day and find something brand new that she's just designed. You may also critique the Pretty World Fragrance Wendy is creating with Alisami Brazil. There are four mixed versions in the shop now for customer reviews. Whether you fall for a geometric lime green and white print, a soft, sparkly knit that evokes a Matisse, or a bright floral to make you look like you stepped out of the cover of Vogue or Elle, you'll definitely want more than one Pretty World top for your spring wardrobe.