Sep 5, 2002/ FWD/ --- "My clients are nearly all young, professional women but any similarity stops there. What they do is very diverse -- from fashion insiders, to lawyers, to an Orthodox Jew," Jussara Lee, owner of her eponymous store in New York's meatpacking district, explained to FWD.

More of a workshop than a store, Jussara Lee is heaven sent for budding designers.

Alongside the racks of classic, sporty pieces all designed by Lee, are reels of fabric, buttons, zippers, and trims for customers to design their own garment.

"The idea came to me when I saw that so many people loved an item aside from one thing -- the cut was amazing but the color wrong, or a great looking shirt but on the dull side. My clients are encouraged to pick a basic style and get creative choosing the fabric, lining and any embellishments, and of course we are around to guide the process and advise if need be."

The Brazilian designer moved to New York in 1988 and after selling spells at Barney's and Bergdorf Goodman, took off downtown to open her own store, a Brazilian inspired boutique in Soho.

It was her interaction with customers there that enabled her to see that a personalized, interactive store could work.

The store's appeal also goes beyond the chance to be a fashion designer for the day.

"People really get into the designing process," says Lee, "but they also love the idea of women working together chatting around the worktable. It's an intimate thing.

Jussara Lee's customer can buy off the rack, elaborate on a Jussara Lee design or start from scratch and design the whole item.

"The full custom couture pieces are actually becoming more and more popular especially for special occasions," said Lee.

"We've done a few wedding dresses that people have loved because they are simple and they know they will wear them again. Bridal is something we are starting to really branch into."