All Dresses Hand-Made at New Shop on Hill

by PAT STOKES

Judging from the message lurking in the lines of the most recent On the Avenue columns, I think it’s safe to say there is presently a fresh new, creative breeze blowing through Chestnut Hill’s shops, as seen in some of the merchandise offered and the way it is showcased. A good example of this trend is the collection at Renee Bolden Designs, a newly opened shop at 8026 Germantown Ave., where every dress or costume has been dreamed up from Renee’s active imagination, then made by her from hand-picked fabrics that she deems most expressive and suitable.

Renee, a Philadelphia native, began designing clothes at age 13, when she was given a Barbie doll. Barbie had quite a wardrobe of Renee’s creations. After that Renee made a real dress for herself, a flowered number with an empire line. Of course, she then moved on to making clothes for family members; her grandmother was her first customer. Word spread to friends who needed something interesting, possibly for a special occasion, so she decided to make a career of it.

She earned a degree in fashion design and interior design from Drexel University in 1975, and three years later established a home-based business, which she carried on until the move to the Hill this year.

Those 20-or-so years of experience qualify her to fulfill the sometimes-unusual needs of her full-figured and plus-size customers who come to her, unable to find anything to their liking “off the rack.” So Renee suggests the fabrics and design appropriate for the individual’s particular body shape, color wishes and style preference. For fabrics, she travels to the long popular fabric stores of the South Street area, a mecca for designers and decorators who are looking for the unusual, often at attractive prices.

As if on cue, while we were talking, a customer came in who wanted a dress to wear to a wedding. Renee chatted briefly, took some information and arranged to see her again. On her agenda are bridal parties, christenings, confirmations, special dinners and the like.

Renee’s friend, Janet Curtis, whose skincare product shop, Jahaya, is nearby, convinced Renee to come to Chestnut Hill, and at about that time the present location became available. What she had in mind was to bring to the Hill “something different.” She calls her things Arts Aware, suggesting that there are new options in design today. She specially enjoys offering one-of-a-kind fashions. Just looking at all the things hanging here, about 35 dresses, and realizing that she has made every single one is a bit mind-boggling.

But she loves it. “I enjoy looking at nature in combining colors, noticing the new colors that appear with the changing seasons. I like putting various textures together, too: tapestry, embroidery, soft fabrics that flow with the natural movement of the body. I think in Chestnut Hill there is a very creative group of people who want to make a statement. The creative instinct is very vibrant.”

It’s the big moment: time to take a look at some dresses. Here’s a striking one in black silk. It’s a plaid design, but the spaces between the lines are large, 12 or 14 inches, and the defining color lines are lavender, rust or grey on the black. Sort of a modern art look. It’s two-piece: the top, a one-shouldered poncho, the skirt a wraparound with a graceful side drape. $195. A summery evening dress is made from etched organza. Its swirly grey and white print is accentuated with feathery black and white fringe straps. A lovely floaty thing for a summer evening. Dresses are priced from $150 to $450.

There are handbags, too, made by Philadelphia designer Jaki Mathews. Many use tapestry in stripes matched in interesting ways. Decorative trims include antique-looking metal, shells, buttons, beads. Around $45.

Lacking a space for a fitting room, Renee created one out of white puckered taffeta hung from rods to make a small square room. There’s just no end to ideas from this lady. Hours, Tuesdays by appointment, Wednesday – Friday 11-6, Saturday 11-5; Sunday 11-4. 215-242-4035. See you on the Avenue.