Helen was born a creative soul, however her natural creative aptitude and eye for detail was kindly nurtured and consequently blossomed under her parents’ loving care.
Helen’s mother, Diane, is a talented seamstress in her own right, and taught her the craft from a very early age. This coupled with her late father Kevin’s passion for collecting and restoring antiques, then it is no wonder that Helen has decided that her true calling in life is to create handcrafted authentic-self designs with the quality and craftsmanship of yesteryear.
Helen seriously began designing her first clothing line at the impressing age of twelve. Her label, Pistol Jack, encompassed the bold colours and designs of the eighties but with distinct hint of Helen’s burgeoning style and uniqueness. Throughout her high school years at Mackellar Girls High in Manly Vale, Helen was always at the forefront of art and textiles at school, with many of her pieces receiving wide recognition.
Upon leaving Mackellar Helen set sail to explore some of the wonders of the world. Throughout her working holiday in Europe and the Middle East, Helen truly expanded her horizons with respect to art, fabrics, design and colours. Taking any opportunity she could to learn from the local artists and craftspeople.
Since returning to Australia Helen has explored a myriad of creative outlets. From prop design and production, to aromatherapy, and from flower arrangement, to vintage clothing restoration, her varied experiences have allowed her to fine tune her skills as well as expand her vision of creative possibilities.
This ever-expanding vision has meant that Boutio has developed from what started out as a traditional and vintage fabric and costume outlet to 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.
written by Amanda Lepeilbet
