News Summary
Designer Joseph Aaron Segal has transitioned from an online business to a physical store with the opening of Pretty Snake on Brook Street. Featuring vibrant designs and a multi-sensory shopping experience, the store has quickly gained attention among customers and celebrities alike. Segal aims to create a space that combines creativity with retail, making it integral to his business growth.
Providence, RI – Designer Joseph Aaron Segal has officially opened his colorful clothing store, Pretty Snake, on Brook Street as of July 2024. This new venture marks Segal’s transition from an online pop-up business to a brick-and-mortar retailer, despite his initial fears about operating a physical store.
Segal sought advice from fellow business owners, including Elissa Paquette of Calico, which helped him navigate the complexities of starting a retail location. His journey began after earning a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where he initially launched Pretty Snake as an internet-based pop-up business. The success of this online endeavor, combined with the opportunity to occupy a space becoming available due to a retiring business owner, prompted Segal to establish a permanent location for his clothing line.
The store features an array of textile and knit designs, which have gained popularity among various celebrities, including Sarah Sherman, Suzie Toot, and Lauryn Hill. Pretty Snake provides a dedicated venue for Segal’s creations, allowing him to overcome the logistical challenges common with pop-up events.
Creative Store Experience
Upon entering Pretty Snake, visitors are greeted by a vibrant interior, characterized by snake-themed décor, prominently displayed green snake wallpaper designed and installed by Segal, and a striking bright, checkered orange floor. The store’s ambiance is complemented by contributions from local artists. A mural painted by Jaime La Jones adorns the ceiling, while Edward Lloyd’s wiggly snake sculptures add a whimsical touch to the space.
Joseph Aaron Segal has expressed a vision for his store beyond mere retail. He aims to create a multi-sensory shopping experience by incorporating custom fragrances and curated music into the store’s atmosphere. The clothing philosophy emphasizes designs that not only look appealing but also evoke joy, enabling customers to feel confident in their selections.
Growth and Future Plans
Pretty Snake allows Segal to broaden his creative output, as he plans to produce bolder and more conceptual designs while also appealing to a diverse audience with various fabric choices and silhouettes. The store has quickly become integral to his creative process and facilitates the growth of his business locally, with aspirations to eventually expand to cities such as New Orleans, Chicago, and Palm Springs.
With the opening of Pretty Snake, Segal has broadened his professional scope significantly. He now employs staff to assist with shipping, sewing, and retail operations while balancing a role as a textile design instructor at RISD. This combination of teaching and retailing forms a unique blend of experience that supports his artistic endeavors.
Community Reception
Early customer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many visitors admiring the store’s vibrant ambiance, vintage décor, and the unique clothing offerings available. One customer even described Pretty Snake as a “positive fever dream,” highlighting the engaging atmosphere that Segal has curated.
Overall, the opening of Pretty Snake in Providence represents a significant milestone for Joseph Aaron Segal, melding his talents in fashion design with a rich, interactive retail experience that delights local shoppers and reflects his innovative artistic vision.
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Additional Resources
- RIMonthly: Inside Pretty Snake in Providence
- Boston Globe: RI Pretty Snake Clothing Providence Store
- Providence Online: Meet Kent Stetson
- Brown Daily Herald: Providence Community Rings in the Year of the Snake
- NOLA: Letters – Snake Killing Contest Lake Providence
- Wikipedia: Providence, Rhode Island
- Google Search: Pretty Snake store Providence
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Rhode Island
- Google News: Pretty Snake fashion
Author: STAFF HERE PROVIDENCE WRITER
PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER The PROVIDENCE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREProvidence.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Providence, Providence County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as WaterFire, Rhode Island International Film Festival, and Rhode Island Comic Con. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in finance and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Citizens Financial Group and Textron. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Rhode Island's dynamic landscape.
