Who we are

At Fringe, we celebrate the eclectic and the unexpected. Our shop offers a curated mix of modern and vintage clothing, along with a diverse collection of handmade goods from artisans across Connecticut.

Fringe was founded by Kara Fillion, whose love for thrifting and supporting local makers runs deep. Her journey began while working for a New York City e-commerce company that specialized in handmade, locally crafted items. Beyond the beauty of each product, Kara was captivated by the stories of the artists behind them.

Inspired, she launched her first thrift venture out of an old ambulance in Jersey City, NJ—driving from event to event, from farmers markets to flea markets, bringing her curated finds to the community. After selling the truck and returning to her Connecticut roots, Kara felt inspired to create a permanent home for her passion.

Today, Fringe sits proudly in downtown Clinton, on the corner overlooking the river—a cozy space dedicated to creativity, community, and conscious style.