A NEW business venture upcycling high-end clothes and designer items was launching today in Weymouth in the latest boost for the town's economy.

Wendy Petitdemange is launching Petit Pieces Dress Agency in St Mary’s Street to offer customers a chance to buy pre-loved high-end items and even sell their own.

“We all use far too much buying and get rid of it,” said Ms Petitdemanget, a former teacher and theatre producer.

Dorset Echo: Wendy Petitdemange at Petit Pieces Dress Agency. Picture: Sam Greasley-Machin

“The idea that you can buy something, wear it a few times, bring it here and then get some money for it, that is the whole idea behind the shop really.

“Nowhere else is doing this, with these sort of clothes and since Debenhams is closed, a lot of my friends asked where can they go for really nice dressy clothes.”

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Ms Petitdemange hopes to address a gap in the market in the town for high-end clothes while also helping to cut down on waste by combatting ‘fast fashion’.

The new venture only accepts clothes in really good condition and high-end high street and designer goods, with Ms Petitdemange saying there was ‘nowhere else in Weymouth like it’.

Customers can both buy and sell their own products, to sell an item people can arrange an appointment with Ms Petitdemange via her Facebook page, or over the phone, and if the product matches the requirements a price will be agreed, with the customer getting 40% of the sale.

Dorset Echo: Inside Petit Pieces Dress Agency. Picture: Sam Machin

For Ms Petitdemange owning her very own dress shop has always been a ‘dream’ of hers.

She said: “I have always wanted to have a dress shop. I've always loved clothes, designer items, high-end fashion, and this opportunity came up to rent the space here.

“I thought, what a fantastic opportunity and I like the idea of buying pre-loved clothes.

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“A lot of my friends buy second hand and charity shops are great, but they don't often get the high-end and designer products so there is a real gap in the market and it's great to reuse things that you've already got rather than just chuck it out.”

Petit Pieces Dress Agency is located at the back of Cornucopia in St Mary’s Street and will open Monday-Saturday from 9am to 3pm.