Designer threads wedding fashion with business savvy

When Megan Thompson decided to become a fashion designer, she didn't take art classes or enroll in a fashion design school. She majored in business.

Now, her University of Nevada, Las Vegas degree is coming in handy as she runs her boutique, Mina Olive, in the Market LV portion of Tivoli Village, 420 S. Rampart Blvd., Suite 210.

"Having the solid basics of business, it's vital, it's just as important as anything else," Thompson said. "You have to read over your leasing documents because, yes, it's all in there, and it's your fault if you don't understand something."

Thompson launched Mina Olive in mid-July. The name is a spinoff of a nickname and her maiden name, Oliver.

Her creative side showed itself early. Lanisa Harveson, a friend, recalled Thompson always drawing fashion designs as a high school student. By college, she said, Thompson was making clothes for herself that were "fun and bright, fashion-forward. She would have me try on shirts and stuff that I would never have picked up, and then it turned out to look really cute when I put it on."

Harveson was one of Mina Olive's first clients for her July wedding.

"She found this lace piece that she thought would be perfect, and when I saw it, I fell in love with it ... When I picture lace, I think of old lady grandma things," Harveson said. "The second she showed me that, (the design) went off from there."

Thompson didn't always focus on wedding gowns. At first, she created women's contemporary clothing. Moving to focusing on bridal wear came about because of her own situation.

"When I was looking to get my (wedding) dress, I was kind of disappointed in what was offered, and everything wasn't one-of-a-kind," she said. "Anybody else could wear it ... It's odd that Vegas ---- we're the wedding capital of the world ---- but I feel not a lot is offered here in terms of choice and options."

She began designing custom gowns for other brides-to-be found through bridal shows. Soon, she was so busy, she needed an official space. The Market LV was more like a shell at that point, with walls missing. Still, she felt it was right for her.

"I'm all about the environment, the experience, as well as the product," Thompson said. "I called over here to get a look, just to get a feel for what was out there and ... I loved the idea of this, we're all close with one another, and it's a great vibe here."

She said her artistic leaning helped her envision how the shops would fit with one another, even though it was bare cement floors and open stud work.

She opted to open Mina Olive in a 524-square-foot space in the Market LV. The windows that look out over one of Tivoli's "streets" caught her eye, and she was told that there were three spaces available. Once found, there wasn't a lot of build-out necessary before she opened. Walls that were going to be aqua were painted pastel pink instead. The Cinderella-like settee she'd sought for so long was finally located and received fresh paint and new upholstery.

An antique chest of drawers drips lacy undergarments. Near Mina Olive's entry way, mannequins pose while modeling her creations.

She has a presence at Bridal Spectacular shows in town, the source of many new clients. It is not as if patrons on their way to the wine bar see her shop and are suddenly struck with the desire to buy a wedding gown, she joked.

A simple dress can use 4 yards of material; a more involved one can incorporate 50. She uses silks and fine laces - French, Italian, Spanish. The ready-wear collection dresses run $2,000 to $4,000. Her custom gowns start at $4,000. A custom gown takes an average of six months to create.

She said women will lose weight over the six-month period as they diet for their big day, so seam allowances are a must. The final touches do not take place until the final fit.

"What I usually tell the girls, 'We need to decide when is the final day that you want to pick it up,' " she said. "Whether it's two days before the wedding - and I do not recommend that - or two weeks. I always tell them, 'You cannot lose weight after that date or your dress won't fit right.' "

Thompson said she hopes to have her own production facility in the future, perhaps in one year, possibly three.

Mina Olive is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and by appointment Sunday. For more information, call 702-738-2926 or visit minaolive.com.

Contact Summerlin/Summerlin South View reporter Jan Hogan at jhogan@viewnews.com or 702-387-2949.