A Passion for Fashion

Mercia van der Walt’s journey in the fashion industry began in 1990 in Kriel, driven by a desire to be at home with her young children while supporting her family. She started making outfits at home and selling them at flea markets across Ermelo, Secunda, and Bethel. Using bleached linen, cheesecloth, and later printed fabrics and viscose, she crafted skirts, tops, and three-piece outfits that quickly gained popularity.

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Expansion and Expertise

As her children grew older, Mercia expanded her reach, selling her creations at more markets and fairs across South Africa. Her extensive travels allowed her to gain unique insights into regional fashion preferences, styles, and budgets. This experience made her an expert in understanding and catering to the diverse needs of her clients.

In 1995, Mercia moved to Suiderberg, Pretoria, where she began importing fabrics from Dubai, and later from Bangkok and the United States. This period marked her transition to creating formal wear and dresses, expanding her business significantly. By 1998, she had relocated to Brooklyn, Lynnwood Road, opening House of Superior Clothing as a showroom until she received commercial rights to the property, allowing her to operate as a full-fledged store.

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Growing Success

Mercia’s business continued to flourish, specializing in formal dresses and gowns, including Matric Farewell dresses sourced from the US. Her achievements include a Business Woman of the Year award from the South African Business Women’s Association (SACBW) in 2007, showcasing her belief in the power of networking and word-of-mouth marketing. As demand for her dresses grew, she implemented a booking system to better assist her clients and provide personalized attention, a necessity due to the increasing volume of clients seeking her expertise.

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The Birth of Get the Dress

When the COVID-19 lockdown hit in 2020, Mercia innovatively came up with the idea for Get the Dress. This service allows clients to find their perfect dress remotely, based on their size, style preferences, and Mercia’s expert advice. Dresses are delivered in beautifully packaged boxes, bringing the boutique experience to clients’ homes. Even after the lockdown, the convenience and success of Get the Dress have made it a popular choice for busy clients.

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A New Vision

Mercia’s extensive experience and keen eye for fashion ensure that her clients can trust her to help them find the perfect dress for any occasion. Now, clients can either visit the store for a personalized fitting or complete a comprehensive questionnaire, allowing Mercia to use her expertise to find and deliver the ideal dress.

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A Philosophy of Beauty

Mercia believes that each woman has her own unique beauty. "God made us all beautiful, but sometimes our outlook on ourselves makes us see imperfections rather than the beauty within. Your definition of beauty should not be based on how you think you look, but on your outlook on life. Every day is an opportunity to make a difference." Mercia enjoys helping people discover that inner beauty, making it a core part of her business philosophy.