Diva USA Opens in Canton's Landmark Pink House

Diva USA, a women’s fashion and Connecticut-made gift boutique, has officially opened its doors in the landmark Pink House at 164 Albany Turnpike in Canton. Owner Brenda Quin, an accomplished fashion designer who hails from South Africa, has dressed Miss South Africa and Miss World contestants. In her first weeks of business, she has already outfitted women from the Farmington Valley and beyond in chic, fun looks perfect for both everyday wear and celebrations.

"In South Africa, I am known to most as the Queen Of Colour," says Quin, noting that vibrant hues and original patterns are how she expresses her creative flair. "I love helping ladies plan their wardrobes to bring out their own sense of style," she says. "I believe we are all unique individuals who enjoy expressing ourselves in our own ways. Sometimes, we just need a little help. I love empowering women to grow," she says.

Quin's 26 years of experience in the fashion business have taken her on quite a journey. She has presented her designs at South Africa’s MTN Fashion Week and Durban Fashion Fair, where she won “best women’s wear collection” honors in both 2016 and 2018. Her work was also showcased at African Fashion Week in London and, by special invitation, at the President of Malta’s Verdala Palace summer residence in Malta. In 2018, she was excited and honored to accept a commission to create 21 stunning pink costumes for Ndlovu Youth Choir's performance on America's Got Talent.

The opening of Diva USA, along with a soon-to-launch online store, marks the first time her fashions have been sold in the U.S. Inside her bright and airy shop, which has been extensively refreshed since its days as a crowded consignment store, you'll find Quin's exclusive line of clothing, shipped straight from South Africa, as well as a thoughtfully curated selection of fashions, accessories and gifts by other designers and artisans. You can expect the stock to be routinely updated with new original pieces: Quin's next collection is already en route from South Africa.

Styles range from smart to casual and are comfortable and easy to wear. Choose from natural and synthetic fabrics in a full range of sizes. "We are all beautiful," Quin emphasizes, and she's available to offer as much or as little guidance as customers would like in selecting styles to flatter their figures. Prices are also designed to fit all, and Quin says her early customers have been delighted and surprised to find statement pieces at affordable prices.

Quin is also proud to carry products by local creatives and small business owners. Browse the playful pottery collection, or take home beautiful, fragrant, hand-crafted candles and soaps. Jewelry and accents have been selected with Quin's eye for joyful, harmonious color combinations. Soon, Diva USA will showcase a collection of beaded jewelry from South Africa, with proceeds supporting those in her homeland suffering from HIV.

Diva USA is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Follow Diva USA on Facebook for styling tips and new collection and product announcements.