For more than a decade, Patric Richardson played a major role in stocking some of the most lavish closets in town as a sales manager for women’s designer apparel at Nordstrom Mall of America, and before that, at Neiman Marcus. Now, he’s plucking timeless gems out of some of those same closets for his new project, a designer consignment store called Mona Williams. The Northeast Minneapolis boutique opening Friday, Feb. 8, is stocked with Versace, Yigal Azrouel, Zang Toi, Jason Wu, and more. All the essentials for a glamorous wardrobe are there, from Lanvin ballet flats to Louis Vuitton bags—priced at 25 to 33 percent of the original retail price.

Yes, the Twin Cities has other designer consignment and resale stores—one is right around the corner. Being steps from gh2 is one of the reasons Richardson says he picked the location. He will dip into some contemporary labels, but less so than his competitors. Richardson also plans to throw out the standard consignment rule about featuring pieces no more than two years old. Between vintage and just last season are endless racks of still-fabulous clothes, he contends. Rather, gushes.

Richardson himself is a big part of the appeal of shopping Mona Williams. He loves to gab, adores fashion—could recite the themes of virtually every designer collection for years running—and has a gift for helping women dress up.  The shop is named for one of his fashion idols from his home state of Kentucky. Williams was the first American to be declared Best Dressed Woman in the World in 1933 by the top Paris designers. It’s a lot to live up to.

Mona Williams will be open Tuesday-Saturday. 18 University Ave NE, Mpls., 612-331-4493