In an age of fast fashion and faceless retail, walking into Lawrence Covell feels like stepping into a different world—one where quality, conversation, and personal style matter more than trends. In Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood, this independent boutique has become a cornerstone of sophisticated fashion for nearly six decades.
Lawrence Covell wasn’t always a go-to for Italian tailoring and cult-favorite designers. In 1967, it began in Boulder as a handmade leather goods store, turning out belts, sandals, and handbags that captured the spirit of the Easy Rider era. That spirit—craftsmanship, independence, and maybe a touch of rebellion—still pulses through everything they do.
Today, the store is a haven for discerning shoppers who crave something different. These are not clothes meant to shout. They’re meant to fit like a second skin—and make you feel quietly invincible.
“We buy first and foremost what we like for good or for bad,” says Joe Covell, son of the founder, Lawrence Covell, and managing partner, along with his wife, Amy, and mom, Cathy. “We obviously consider local and national trends, but ultimately, I ask myself, ‘Would I wear this?’...They’re not all winners, but I do like them... Maybe we leave some money on the table, but you must be true to yourself.”
That ethos—deeply personal and unapologetically independent—is what sets Lawrence Covell apart. While the boutique has introduced major designers like Armani, Versace, and Prada to Colorado since the 1970s, its team is more focused on finding what’s next than chasing what’s already big. “The excitement for us is curating and incubating new lines,” Covell explains. “This isn’t always successful... but for us, it’s not about that. It’s about the joy of discovery.”
That joy is palpable when you walk through the doors. You might be offered a beer or espresso before you even glance at the racks. “We’ve always been a very unpretentious place to shop,” Covell says. “That said, we do whatever is necessary to make the customer happy… but a lot of times, that means not ‘selling’ them too, but just catching up when they drop by.” The store’s layout tells the same story—part retail, part living room. Designed to feel like a home, it encourages browsing, relaxing, and conversation.
That deep personal connection extends to the wardrobe-building experience. The team works closely with each shopper to understand their comfort zones, aspirations, and personalities. “What you want is for [the client] to wear our clothes the most,” Covell says. “That means we’ve done our job.”
What they wear varies widely—because individuality is the point. Whether it’s a tailored blazer, a statement knit, or a perfectly worn-in pair of jeans, Lawrence Covell is about curating a look that feels right for you, not your algorithm. “Our aesthetic is one of sophisticated understatement, whether it’s more fashion-forward or more classic,” Covell says. “It’s cool and refined, but it’s not showy.”
That commitment to authenticity hasn’t just earned them loyal customers—it’s made them a best-kept secret. While big-box stores come and go, and fashion trends turn like the wind, Lawrence Covell remains rooted in timeless style and human connection. It’s not unusual for new shoppers to leave surprised, thinking to themselves, “I can’t believe I’ve never been here before.”
The longevity of the business speaks for itself. Joe’s father still hand-makes leather belts in retirement, a small but telling reminder of the store’s origins in craftsmanship. And the philosophy hasn’t changed: quality over hype, relationships over sales, style over fashion.
The right wardrobe can be like a stalwart companion: with you through your day, turning heads, sparking compliments, and lending you that frame of mind when everything just clicks. At Lawrence Covell, they’re not just selling you an outfit—they’re helping you find that feeling—confident, powerful, and unmistakably you—one well-chosen piece at a time.
To shop these styles, visit LawrenceCovell.com, 225 Steele St, Denver.