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Sophisticated, modern, feminine clothes and accessories

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Ann Rutledge Ackman started Arafina in April, 1998. The first location was at 5049 France Avenue South, Edina. Arafina's name was Bellagio, after the beautiful northern Italian city on Lake Como. This location served Arafina well, as it gave time to develop its point of view.


Arafina moved to the Galleria in 2000. Shortly after opening, Bellagio (the Las Vegas hotel) notified us that we were infringing on their trademark by using "their" name. We had a naming contest and the best entry came from Ann's mother.

Arafina translates Ann Rutledge Ackman fine fashions.


Through the years Arafina has evolved from professional wear to also include contemporary social occasion clothes, casual lines and accessories. In addition to well-known contemporary designers, Arafina also offers a selection of up and coming lines, as well as local designers. Minnesota Monthly recently named Arafina the best designer boutique for 2011.


Ann's career, prior to Arafina, was as a corporate buyer of upscale women's fashion. She bought for Dayton's, Marshall Fields and Bullocks Wilshire.