Hunter Coggins

Jim Hunter has been helping men step out in style since 1971. Owner of Hunter Coggins on Spruce Street in downtown Asheville, Jim offers the finest in men’s apparel from ties and undershirts to cashmere sweaters and fedora hats.

He started in the men’s clothing business right out of high school and grew to love the traditional, classic attire. There is nothing more attractive than a well-dressed man and although the trend has moved toward a more casual look, Jim knows the impact quality clothes can have on a person. “Dressing well really helps people feel better about themselves,” says Jim. He admits that a good percentage of his customers are women buying for their husbands, boyfriends, or sons.

There are whimsical bow ties, wool and corduroy trousers, colorful sweaters in cotton, wool, and cashmere, and handsome sport coats. Keep warm this winter with full length coats, hats, scarves, and gloves.

Jim has been working with some of his vendors for more than 20 years but is always bringing in new lines that meet his discerning standards. Customers will find favorites including Vineyard Vine, Alan Paine, and Gitman Brothers. The shop also offers alterations and custom fitting.

Visit them 28 North Spruce Street or online at hunterandcoggins.com. The shop can be reached at 828.252.8496.
(In photo: Jim Hunter)

Michael Hofman Studios

Creating the unusual is what drives Michael Hofman of Hofman Studios located at 111 Roberts Street in the River Arts District. He took over the studio In 2007, starting him on an odyssey of making porcelain pieces using antique lace and other fabrics to embellish the surfaces.

He has been avidly collecting material ever since and is known for his personalized china, vases, and distinctive serving pieces. His studio and gallery showcase finely crafted items such as pea pod plates, banquette servers, platters, vases, French butter bells, bistro glasses, and quiche dishes. “I love that every time I make something it’s new and different,” says Michael. “It’s exciting interacting with customers to find out what they like.”

Michael can make custom patterns from his own fabric collection or from a special heirloom. He finds it extremely rewarding to know he’s helping people establish lasting memories with their family treasures. Each piece is hand built and triple dipped using all natural custom glazes. Michael likes to help out by hosting fund-raisers and contributing to area nonprofits. This month he will be creating amazing Christmas ornaments to benefit the breast cancer organization Friends for an Earlier Breast Cancer Test (earlier.org).

Hofman Studios is located at 111 Roberts Streets and online at hofmanstudios.com. The studio can be reached at 828.232.1401.
(In photo: Michael Hofman & Rose)

High Country Style

Wendy and Rob Willey have a knack for high fashion, so it was only natural when longtime friends and owners of High Country Furniture partnered with them for the launch of the company’s clothing boutique High Country Style in Waynesville.

They recently opened a new shop in Biltmore Village, bringing the store’s signature haute couture to Asheville with rave reviews. A devout fashionista, Wendy spent the first ten years of her career with The Gap and The Limited. Rob is the business genius, drawing from his years as a Nike executive.

The goal, says Wendy, is to provide women with unique apparel and accessories that offer exceptional quality and distinguishing style. “I look for classy lines with a lot of personality,” she says. “You don’t want to meet yourself walking down the street.”

Top lines include Brighton, Spanx, and Nic & Zoe. This is the store to find that perfect “go to” outfit that feels great on and makes you feel good about yourself.

“I tell my customers they’re not allowed to insult themselves,” she says with a laugh. “You can dislike the clothes or how they fit, but I believe that every woman is beautiful.”

Visit 2 Swan Street or online at shopatstyle.com. The store can be reached at 828.277.3650.
(In photo: Wendy Willey)

Iris Photo + Digital Images

Since 1976, Brigid Burns and Ralph Burns, owners of Iris Photo + Digital Imaging on Merrimon Avenue, have been an invaluable resource for photographers of every level—from weekend hobbyist to accomplished professional. It’s their detailed service and exceptional quality that has remained consistent throughout the years

Brigid and Ralph are phenomenal photographers working primarily in black-and-white (their personal favorite). Their experience and love of the art of photography translates to a level of care and a level of expertise not found in traditional one-hour photo labs.

The store carries accessories (bags, portfolios, frames, archival storage solutions, darkroom supplies, batteries, and more) and onsite Photoshop experts provide amazing results, from repairing damaged images to seamless alterations. Using cutting-edge technology, the shop offers the finest in digital processing, scans images to CD, produces top quality photo enlargements, and can transfer slides and negatives to print or digital format. They hand process the black-and-white film but also offer machines that process photos in minutes.

Having your photos handled by expert photographers, you can expect the very best results.

Visit them at 660 Merrimon Avenue or online at irisphotodigital.net. The store can be reached at 828.254.6103.
(In photo: )

Van Dyke Jewelry

Chris Van Dyke, owner of Van Dyke Jewelry on Biltmore Avenue, shuns the title of artist despite the fact he’s been designing exquisite jewelry since he was 19 years old.

“I didn’t really fit with the title,” says Chris. “It’s a lofty goal to call yourself an artist.” He saw himself more as a problem solver, a tinkerer, a builder of things that just happen to be beautiful.

Chris doesn’t draw out designs or use fancy computer-generated models before starting a piece. He admits he can’t draw to save his soul. Instead, he allows the process to dictate much of what he does. “It’s the process that I fell in love with,” he says.” Time just disappears.”

In his new location, along with his own custom pieces, you will find estate jewelry, silk floral wall hangings, decorative tables, contemporary glass centerpieces, and fine ceramic wares. He also offers watch batteries and jewelry repair.

Chris is excited to be downtown and to share his space with other fine artists, all members of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. “I came here in 1999 with nothing,” he says. “To have this space downtown, I’m very proud and grateful.”

Van Dyke Jewelry is located at 29 Biltmore Avenue, and you can visit them online at vandykejewelry.com. The store can be reached at 828.281.4044.
(In photo: Chris Van Dyke)

SanaVita

Healthy living is about more than exercise and eating right. Al- though making these changes is a good start, paying attention to what’s going on inside our bodies is equally important.

At SanaVita, located in Black Mountain’s Village of Cheshire, they are using the science of the body and its inner workings to offer a more targeted approach to long-term wellness. The goal at SanaVita is to provide the community with a center for holistic cleansing. The Black Mountain center opened in 2009 providing health services such as Lymphatic Therapy, Colon Hydrotherapy, Dietary Cleansing & Holistic Health Counseling, Ionic Foot Baths, Detoxifying Facials, Soy-Based Waxing, Far Infrared Saunas, Deep Tissue Massage, and holistic products. Manager Jackie Vale, a colon hydrotherapist and lymphatic therapist, explains that flushing toxins from our bodies allows them to function at optimal levels.

Toxin overload in our colon and our lymphatic systems can cause headaches, fatigue, irritability, constipation, bloating, cramping, insomnia, mood swings, joint pain, and weight gain. The holistic treatment is actually based on the way the body functions and not only combats disease but goes a long way in preventing it. They also offer gift certificates for their services.

Visit them at 10 East Market Street or online at sanavita.org. The center can be reached at 828.669.3939.
(In photo: Jackie Vale)

The Compleat Naturalist

The Compleat Naturalist in the Historic Biltmore Village is the nexus for exciting exploration of our natural world. For the past 18 years, owners Laura and Hal Mahan have provided the community with the tools, inspiration, and education to uncover the mysteries behind, bugs, flowers, critters, and all sorts of intriguing specimens.

Both Laura and Hal became captivated by the wonder of nature at a young age and followed that calling through college. Laura earned her master’s degree in botany from UNC Charlotte, and Hal achieved his Ph.D. in ornithology in his home state of Michigan. They are highly respected in the science community and have dedicated their careers to educating others.

The shop holds educational classes on a variety of subjects both onsite and in the field. Designed to engage visitors, the store has fascinating books, hands-on kits, observation tools, geology tools, insect nets, gift items, and a kid’s section that will surely incite little imaginations. “When you see beyond the surface, your whole perspective changes,” says Laura. “The more you know, the more you can help preserve.” Become inspired to go beyond the surface and discover a completely new world.

Visit them at 2 Brook Street or online at compleatnaturalist.com. The shop can be reached at 828.274.5430.
(In photo: Laura & Hal Mahan)

Gentlemen’s Gallery & Principessa

Opened in 1989 by longtime clothier Alan Levy, Gentlemen’s Gallery & Principessa on Haywood Street in downtown Asheville offers European crafted fashions for men and women.

“Independently-owned stores allow for individuality in the selection and enables us to really cater to people’s tastes,” Alan says. As a third-generation retail professional, he has an eye for great design and uncompromising quality. The fabrics, textures, and patterns in both men’s and women’s wear are fabulous. There are beautifully crafted leather jackets, sweaters, dress shirts, trousers, sport coats, socks, and a great selection of colorful ties and accessories for men.

The styles are classic, but with a definite edge and plenty of personality. Women’s wear offers dresses, sweaters, slacks, blouses, and stylish raincoats. Alan also carries jeggings, a combination of leggings and jeans that provide exceptional comfort and style. The fun and funky Eye Bobs eyewear make great gifts.

Alan provides a very personalized shopping experience and says, “You build your business one client at a time. Our customers become part of our inner family circle.”

Visit them at 66 Haywood Street across from the library or call the store at 828.252.7517.
(In photo: Alan Levy)