Yes, there is a red carpet and velvet rope at the entrance of CP Fusão.

Yes, the marble facade, ornate floor-to-ceiling mirrors and elegant displays of semiprecious stone jewelry might urge budget-conscious passers-by to keep walking.

Frank Niemeir/AJC (ENLARGE)

CP Fusão in Buckhead carries a mix of owner Christine Philip's South Asian fusion designs and clothing and accessories with European brands.

Frank Niemeir/AJC (ENLARGE)

Christine Philips, a graduate of Emory University intended to be a doctor like everyone else in her family.

CP FUSÃO 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays 3060 Peachtree Road, 1 Buckhead Plaza (entrance on West Paces Ferry Road; free valet parking at Chops) 404-816-0895, www.christinephilip.com More shopping news Where do you find Bubble Up soda?  Scars? cellulite? Solutions for skin imperfections  Ways to save on everyday spending  Feel like you're part of the team with Olympic merchandise  Seasonal sales offer bargains for outdoor furnishings  Back to Living page

But to avoid this 1-year-old boutique under the assumption that it caters solely to the celebrity and moneyed crowd will only do damage to your closet.

Owner Christine Philip succeeded quite well in creating a nice space in which to sell her Eastern-influenced custom and ready-to-wear clothing designs, most of which sell for $100 to $300. In addition, she carries handpicked garments and accessories from Europe and other regions, and some are priced well under $100.

"What's funny is [customers] see the space and they think things are too expensive," Philip said. "I wanted things to look nice, but I wasn't trying to make it a prissy store."

So Philip left the door open to invite people inside. In a move borrowed from mass retailers, she began posting prices in the store windows.

Gradually, the people came.

That's just the kind of pluck one would expect from a woman who broke with the family tradition of practicing medicine to forge her way in fashion. After operating online for 3 1/2 years, Philip decided to build her business in bricks. She endured the requisite parental eyebrow-raising and fleshed out a business plan — and opened in August.

Noticeably absent among the offerings of CP Fusão is denim. On a recent visit the racks held a few denim garments, but Philip's vision is mostly about the dress.

Her own designs mix Eastern materials and embellishments with a Western silhouette for "an exotic touch," Philip said. Dresses in her new French Riviera-influenced collection include a fuchsia-and-golddraped-front cocktail dress for $310 and a turquoise silk dress with gold brocade for $260. Philip has also created height-of-summer basics such as a white shift dress for $120 or a printed halter style maxi dress for $250.

"I wanted to bring something special to Atlanta," said Philip, who has been making dresses since she was 14. She also does couture gowns (in the range of $800) and will even create an affordable wedding trousseau for referred brides.

As for the other lines carried in the store, Philip said she is hyperselective.

"Shoppers see the same thing and everyone is wearing the same thing. They want something different but affordable, and they are slowly looking for other things."

An embellished tee from Taiwan-based Zhen Nu Ren that goes for $85 qualifies as different, but even Philip can't avoid the lure of some better-known lines, such as the $140 gray shift dress with an embellished keyhole neckline from Twinkle by Wenlan.

Jewelry with South Asian flair includes standout pieces such as a set of pink quartz drop earrings and necklace, $420; a pendant necklace of emerald, cubic zirconia and pearl, $820; or a sterling silver cuff with turquoise, coral and pearl for $175. Other accessories include ombre-style handbags, mesh-covered bucket bags by Pa Tou Tou and quirkier fare, such as a jewel-encrusted cigarette holder and fingerless tulle gloves from Monaco. "These are still catching on in the States," Philip said, extending her arm to admire one of the gloves on her hand.

Thankfully, Philip is here to guide us.