Divine Designs

Mother and daughter cultivate a fashion destination in the heart of Boulder

By Kalene McCort

Walking into high-end clothing boutique Beatrice the Divine, visitors are engulfed in a shopping experience steeped in luxury and international glamour. Once the Walnut Brewery, the reimagined space—now an architectural nod to the chicness of Italian mid-century modern design—features a seasonal selection of stand-out pieces for those looking to elevate their wardrobe.

“I’ve always loved clothes and fashion,” says Beatrice the Divine’s owner April Johanna, who pivoted from a career in nutrition and healthcare to open up the esteemed boutique in November 2022. “I love the sense of discovery when you find a new brand and something that’s unique and different. I had discovered many interesting brands on my travels and wanted to bring a little bit of that to Boulder.”

At Johanna’s side is her daughter Mikhaela, who helps run the business and models many of the boutique’s designer garments for print ads and Instagram content. The store’s namesake is an ode to Beatrice, the enchanting muse in poet Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy.” 

“It’s sort of like a double entendre to the ‘Divine Comedy,’ but also the divine feminine,” Johanna says of the shop’s moniker. “It’s about instilling that sense that every woman is divine. Every woman has that essence and should express that in whatever way makes her feel the best.”

Within the sunlit space, several lithographs by surrealist painter Salvador Dalí can be found, along with pops of lush greenery, the occasional crystal and the wavy, illuminated Ettore Sottsass Ultrafragola mirror where patrons can reflect on future purchases. Beatrice the Divine extends beyond an average retailer and generously dips into the territories of art and culture. Strongly modeled after the personalized shopping experiences offered in Europe, this sought-out store welcomes local repeat customers and travelers seeking global finds stateside. 

“My grandmother really appreciated well-made, quality clothing,” says Ware. “She always had beautiful tailored clothing that was timeless. I think that was something that made an impression on me.”

Beatrice the Divine attracts a clientele seeking pieces one can’t find elsewhere in Colorado. Among the thoughtfully curated treasures are hand-knit dresses by Peruvian designer Mozhdeh Matin, celestial gold jewelry by French brand Louise Hendricks and colorful offerings of the Parisian brand Roseanna. The work of designers from Peru to Norway are represented in Johanna’s curation. 

“My style is still always evolving,” says Johanna, who was also inspired by her mother—a fashion model. “I think it’s important to be open to trying new things and not getting stuck in just one box. When you come in here, everything is different. There’s really something for everybody. Our main following is between ages 25 and 55. We serve a multi-generational span of customers.”

Johanna has built Beatrice the Divine from the ground up, often cold-calling designers and always staying up to date on emerging female creatives. Motivating women to break from their comfort zones and embrace looks that are easily transferable from the runway to the street, Johanna and her team offer styling services at no additional charge. Pieces by over 60 designers can be found in the inviting space. 

Besides clothing, Johanna keeps a collection of elegant housewares in stock. Fragrant candles and luminous Murano glassware from Milan-based company Stories of Italy are sure to give any interior a pop of translucent color. 

“It’s really just a mix of things that I love and pieces that I think are beautiful.” says Johanna, who makes sure to bring in new products with each season. 

While the boutique always has an ample amount of inventory on display, the rest of Johanna’s finds reside in a warehouse—offering an even more extensive assortment that can be shopped online. She and her team also organize an annual warehouse sale and regional pop-ups to bring more pieces directly to shoppers.

Johanna and her daughter have discussed a second location, but for now the duo is excited about nurturing the space they have crafted just steps from the Pearl Street Mall. From tailored shopping experiences where folks can bring friends for bites and champagne to in-shop concerts with local singer-songwriters, Johanna is enthused about the experiences she is providing the public.

During the warmer months, the store brought in a mixologist to craft cocktails inspired by the theme of “European Summer” and offered a sale on resort wear. Beatrice the Divine oftentimes donates a percentage of sales to local organizations during collaborative fundraising events. 

“One of the most rewarding aspects of running this business is seeing how we are embraced by the community,” Johanna says, “That’s so important. The unexpected part of all this has been meeting incredibly inspiring customers and the connections we’ve made.” 

For more, visit beatricethedivine.com and follow on Instagram @beatricethedivine. 1123 Walnut St., Boulder, open 11am-6pm Sunday-Thursday and 11am-7pm Friday-Saturday.