Media Release May 12 2005
For Immediate Release
Mackellar Girls High School Vice Captain of 1990, Helen Sattler, has returned to the neighbourhood where her seeds of creativity and leadership were first sewn.
After more than a decade of self discovery leading her from Moshav’s in Israel to festivals in rural NSW, Helen has come back to where it all began to start her very own creative design house in Manly Vale – Boutio Couture.
Boutio, a boutique and studio, stands for Bold, Original, Unique, Timeless, and Inspiring Outfits. Helen’s core motivation is to transpose an individual’s vision of the ideal garment into a reality.
Helen says she aims to create pieces that are not for mannequins but for the true authentic self. Outfits that flatter not just your figure but your soul and personality.
Apart from design Boutio also specialises in traditional and vintage fabrics. Beyond the brightly coloured warehouse doors at Boutio you will discover a world of unique and antique garments and fabrics. Helen’s global collection includes Muu Muus from Hawaii, Saris from India, Top Hats from the 30’s and …….. that timeless glow mesh from the 1920’s.
Boutio’s traditional and vintage fabrics include rare pieces such as Italian frosted satins, French silk chiffon including fabrics older that 90years old
Always striving to be different and push the boundaries, Helen has set herself a bold and robust mission with Boutio. Her ever-expanding vision has meant that Boutio has evolved from what started out as a traditional and vintage fabric retailer, then quickly expanded into a couture design house, to its latest business diversification which aims to establish Boutio as a centre for creative expression and education.
In an effort to share her experiences and knowledge, Helen has started a work experience program for young people interested in a career in creative arts and fashion. The purpose is for people with a passion and talent for sewing to come and get hands on experience of what it is like to work in a creative business. Helen has also set up personalised sewing classes for those who want to learn how to design and create modern fashion garments from pattern to finish. These programs and classes are the beginnings of Helen’s dream of creating a Boutio Couture College.
Boutio is progressive and dynamic, always seeking to explore new and exciting possibilities. Some of the initiatives planned for and by Boutio over the coming year include f.rock fashion – a fashion parade for Northern Beaches designers to be held during the Manly Arts Festival, launch of vintage fabrics online web site, traditional Vietnamese fabrics Spring sale ….
Boutio is located in Seaforth and is open to the public by appointment.