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Helen Lyall was born in the small copper mining town of Superior, Arizona, to Lebanese immigrant parents. She and her eight siblings grew up in the modest back rooms of their family store, Mitchell’s Dry Goods — a hub of everything from work boots to baptismal gowns. It was there, surrounded by bolts of fabric and the rhythm of retail, that Helen's love of boutique fashion and merchandising was born.
A bright student and active participant in school sports and activities, Helen attended the University of Arizona before boldly moving to New York City to study at the prestigious Tobe Coburn School of Fashion. Her career took off at Abraham & Strauss in Brooklyn, eventually leading her west to The City of Paris in San Francisco and Vallejo. But it was at James Sears in Vallejo that her influence truly blossomed, drawing women from neighboring counties for her styling expertise.
Nearly five decades ago, Helen opened her boutique in Vallejo that would bear her name for 35 years — a store built not just on fashion, but on trust, style, and community. In 2010, she moved her shop to the Napa Valley Riverfront, where it stands today. Her impact continued to spread far beyond just her store, with her signature fashion shows raising funds for organizations like the Lilac Children’s Hospital, Napa Valley Symphony, Valley of the Moon, Boys and Girls Clubs of Sonoma, and the St. Francis Yacht Club Foundation.
Helen traveled extensively, shopping the European and U.S. markets to bring her clients the freshest trends. Her personalized wardrobe consultations were legendary — not just appointments, but experiences.
On April 21, 2024, we lost our beloved Helen Lyall at the age of 94. Her passing was sudden and heartbreaking. Helen wasn’t just a fashion icon; she was a cornerstone of the Napa Valley community, a mentor, and a cherished friend.
In her final years, Helen was in the process of passing the torch for her beloved boutique fashion store. Thanks to the dedication of Alisa Syar, a third-generation customer, and the commitment of Lisa Zunino, who will be taking over the store as manager and buyer, Helen’s store and legacy will carry on.
Lisa Zunino’s journey with Helen began back in 1985, working in the Vallejo store straight out of high school. From there, she pursued fashion design in Milan, worked with Nordstrom at the San Francisco Center, and spent years living abroad — but her connection to Helen and the store never faded. She returned to Napa, raised her daughter, and rejoined Helen at the store part-time, offering personalized wardrobe consultations to clients. Over the years, she once again became a key part of the team and family.
Before her passing, Helen knew her beloved store was in good hands. She was aware of Lisa Zunino and the Syar family’s plan to continue her legacy — and we believe she left this world with peace in her heart, knowing her dream for Helen Lyall Napa Valley would live on.
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