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who will be retiring later this year, after 20 years in Francis Street, and over 41 years altogether in the Fashion Industry!

After over 20 years, running her successful shop, and dressing some of Leicestershires finest ladies in the most elegant of clothes, Barbara Ziemba of Bazique has decided it is time to hang up her last creations.

Bazique is famous for having the best names in couture hanging elegantly from her rails, why go to London when they’re here already. Her evening dresses are simply stunning and many a lady has chosen to visit Barbara knowing she will have 'that special' gown or evening suit, but also having some of the smartest and wearable clothes for all occasions with stylish handbags and accessories to compliment the outfits. It will be a sad day for many when she leaves Francis Street for the last time, so anyone who didn't know of her impending retirement, now would be a great time so say goodbye and maybe even choose an outfit before they are all gone.

Barbara left Leicester College of Art & Technology after studying Knitwear and Dress Design, to work for some of the best known Fashion Houses as their Design Executive She would regularly travel to Milan, Florence and New York as part of her job, seeing the styles at first hand and choosing for the stores.

There isn't much Barbara doesn't know about style, being a walking model and always being well groomed herself, her knowledge and kind manner has helped many a customer choose the right outfit for the occasion.

Working quietly alongside her and being her rock has been her partner James, always encouraging being supportive and having great faith in Barbara which has given her the lift and determination to succeed all these years. But her loyal friend and colleague Valerie has for the last 10 years, also been there for Barbara, working in the shop being as passionate and as supportive about the business as Barbara herself, which without her friend at her side it would have been much harder. Allowing Barbara the valuable time to select andbuy her stock for the shop, or spend time with James, which Barbara is looking forward to now, as well as family and friends and to pursue another life of a more carefree nature, not having the daily routine associated with running a business. ‘Time to smell the Roses’.

Barbara would like to say a big “THANK YOU” to all her customers over the years, many whom have become good friends. To all customers that have passed through her doors and will pass through again until the day she closes them for good. Countryside La Vie would also like to say a fond farewell and to wish her a wonderful retirement and to enjoy life to the full.

“Have a great time from all of the La Vie team!”

Barbara is looking to retire and close her shop sometime in the Autumn/Winter of 2009

by Sally Baum