At 39 Pleasant St. in downtown Worcester is a store that combines the best of local music and artists with the glamour of the latest fashion trends. Exclusives Where Music Meets Fashion was the brain child of Jimmy Kang, vice president of Wu-Tang Management, and Ivania Nicole, who is a model, entrepreneur and Ms. Massachusetts United States 2016.

Nicole and Kang are not just business partners, they are life partners. Nicole described the motivation behind the store, which they opened together in 2011, “Basically, we started because he [Kang] does music and I do fashion, and we wanted to combine the two worlds.”

This theme is evident throughout the store, which has many unique features, including an actual runway and a DJ booth. Originally, the store was located at 350 West Boylston St. However, the property was foreclosed on, resulting in a two-year search for the store’s next location. Exclusives Where Music Meets Fashion moved into 39 Pleasant St. in 2013 and was officially launched in 2014. The store is also the site for the Miss Central Massachusetts Beauty Pageant, which features contestants from 5-27.

The goal of the store is to showcase local musicians and designers. Nicole, who has been modeling since 2009, shared her thoughts about the true meaning of fashion: “I really think fashion is your own personal style and how you represent yourself.” She added, “Something can look good on one person, but it might not look good on you.”

The store features a diverse range of clothing from everyday and business wear to formal dresses. Nicole carries a wide selection of local designers, including Daniel Hernandez for DH Studios, Harvard Clothing, Life and Vudog. The store also showcases jewelry from local artisans. While the store features the hottest trends in music and fashion, Nicole keeps her price range accessible and reasonable for her customers.

As a small business owner, Nicole wears many hats at the store and works endless hours. Staying motivated and on top of things can be a challenge at times. For Nicole, the best aspect of the store is, “You’re really supporting the local businesses.”

By featuring wares from individuals within the community, Nicole believes she gives her customers higher quality while helping out local creators and designers. One of her future goals is to expand on Music Exclusives Meets Fashion’s online store. This way she “can open the market up to the world,”

Nicole’s motivation comes from within, she said. “I get motivated because you have to just pick yourself up – because winners are just not quitters.”

As far as fashion tips, Nicole said this season’s trends are throwbacks, so look for styles from the ’70s and ’80s, as well as plaids, stockings and a lot of mismatched looks. Bell bottoms and overalls are also back in style. “Fashion always repeats itself,” she said.

For Nicole, the best part of fashion is taking risks. However, she cautions her customers not to go “overboard” when trying to spice up their wardrobe. “Look at yourself in the mirror and see what looks good and what doesn’t,” she said. “If you’re comfortable walking out of the house, then you picked the right outfit.”

However, self-esteem is your best accessory, Nicole said. As a model, she has learned that even when they have to wear outfits that they do not like, models still have to “rock it” because it is their job.

“When you wear an outfit, you need to be confident. When you have confidence, you’re not afraid to take risks.”

Runway shows are free to the public and feature drinks, hors d’oeuvres, great music and the latest in fashion. Stay up to date on upcoming events by checking out Exclusives Where Music Meets Fashion’s Facebook page.

Photos by Alain Cadin.