The new Sassanova in McLean’s Chesterbrook Shopping Center is a milestone in more ways than one.
Officially opened today (Thursday), the fashion boutique at 6224G Old Dominion Drive represents the Maryland company’s first expansion into Virginia, and at 2,262 square feet, it’s the largest location yet.
To take advantage of the additional space, which is nearly double the size of the three existing stores in Baltimore, Bethesda and Lutherville, Sassanova has also combined women’s clothing with its menswear brand, Nova Man, under one roof for the first time. Nova Man can also be found in a separate store in Lutherville, Maryland.
Sassanova owner Angela Tandy celebrated today’s opening in McLean as “a new chapter” for her business.
“It’s a bigger space, a bigger assortment and a bigger vision,” Tandy said in a press release. “But at the core our goal hasn’t changed — we want people to feel welcomed, seen and inspired. This new location allows us to bring that same personalized experience to even more customers, with a fresh, hand-picked mix of fashion for both women and men.”
Adjacent to fellow fashion outlet Apricot Lane, which opened in November, Sassanova’s McLean store sells clothing, shoes and accessories, such as handbags, hats and jewelry. Available women’s brands include L’Agence, Veronica Beard, Alemais and Tanya Taylor, while men’s labels include Faherty, Mizzen + Main, and Peter Millar.
According to the press release, the store is still hiring for several positions, including an assistant store manager and men’s lead. Information about applying for a job can be found on Sassanova’s website.
Sassanova is the latest newcomer to a shopping center that has seen some major changes over the past few years.
In addition to adding a variety of new retail tenants, including the restaurant Sorn Thai, custom picture framing store Framebridge and Small Door Veterinary clinic just this year, Chesterbrook Shopping Center is undergoing an $8.5 million renovation that began in 2022.
According to a public relations representative for Federal Realty, the property owner, the “finishing touches” are now being put on the renovation.
“In the coming months, you’ll notice a few final updates: repaving the asphalt parking lot, installing a second pollinator garden and new landscaping beds, refreshing the pylon sign, and adding more seating and gathering spaces for everyone to enjoy,” the representative said.
While looking for new tenants to fill the overhauled shopping center, the landlord approached Sassanova in the hopes that it would bring “style, service and a sense of community,” according to Federal Realty Vice President of Regional Leasing Vanessa Mendoza.
“The McLean customer values quality, individuality, and a more personalized shopping experience, which aligns perfectly with Sassanova’s boutique approach,” Mendoza said in the press release. “Angela has built something truly special, and we’re excited to bring that energy and point of view to Northern Virginia.”
