Handcrafted in Sydney…

I am always inspired by vintage silhouettes and influenced by my love of old Hollywood glamour, European art and design, and a fascination for collecting gorgeous fabrics.

 
 
Inside the PenelopeRED workroom.

Inside the PenelopeRED workroom.

My name is Penelope Bolkovsky and I am the designer and owner of Penelope RED.​

I pride myself on amazing prints, good quality textiles and a fantastic fit. A lot of designs in the collection have been handmade from vintage finds, which I compliment with the latest fashion fabrics.

In an industry that is almost entirely created off-shore, I am pleased to say that each step is conducted in Sydney, and I am involved in every step of the creative process.​

Recently I have found a lot of joy in selling privately through special events, and this gives me the flexibility I need to be able to be a business woman as well as a Mum. It also means I create a lot of custom orders, rather than stock, which means less waste, and a better planet for it!

I enjoy so much of what I do, and I am very lucky to have such a wonderful outlet for my creativity.

The typical PenelopeRED look: modern- vintage style.

The typical PenelopeRED look: modern- vintage style.

Custom Orders…

The PenelopeRED business concentrates on creating custom orders because…

  • It means less landfill. I create the smallest amount of stock for customers to try on, each season. They are used as a template for the customer to see how the design fits. Then orders are taken so only what is needed is created. Can you imagine who much less landfill there would be if all the chain stores did this?!

  • Less time is wasted. When I first started the business, I proceeded like everyone else... I didn’t know any better. I created as much stock as I possibly could (remember I was still sewing it all myself), and then hoped I made the right style in the right colour/fabrication, and in the right size. Crazy, right? And of course I would get it wrong many times... or I could’ve sold one size over and over again, and I would be stuck with all the other sizes! It was a frustrating and time wasting experience.

  • Ever since having a child it has been even more important for me to make every working hour count. So when my son was born, things had to change. Through changing ideas and processes, over time, custom orders makes sense!

  • One of a kind designs in the right size and style are an option! And the use of some very unique fabrics too! Many PenelopeRED repeat clients get to choose from the unique PenelopeRED fabric collection and have something made especially for them.

  • Unique fabrics that would otherwise be out of the PenelopeRED price range are more available because less fabric is being wasted. Only what is needed is being used. 

There are so many reasons why I concentrate on custom orders, and I encourage you to support designers, whether it’s me or someone else, who does custom orders. It’s better for the environment, better for you as the customer, and better for us as designers! 
Be part of the #fashionrevolution with me!