Courtesy of Eclectica
Allyson Bailey Wilmowski says she's always been a maker. Before she moved to St. Louis 12 years ago, she traveled the country doing art and craft shows, meeting a multitude of various artists and makers along the way. “I knew I wanted to share some of them with my St. Louis community in addition to my work,” she says. Now, with her shop Eclectica, which just opened at 3189 S. Grand last month, she can.
Courtesy of Eclectica
Its name might give it away but the inventory of Eclectica is well, eclectic. The boutique hosts work from both local and regional artisans, and much of its inventory are handmade—with the exception of the books (Chronicle and Hachette) and some of the kids' toys (Manhattan Toy Co.). Some of the work available at the boutique include St. Louis local Jam + Bee Ceramics and their animal pots and cups, as well as pottery and mugs from Clay by Tay of Wentzville. There are Yemini-style leather shoes from Nida & Lu of Lawrence, Kansas, and hand-dyed scarves and wall art from local batik artist Melanie Pailer. You will even find jewelry made from recycled skateboards by St. Louis local Stuntwood.
Wilmowski also sells her brand Sennit + Sauvage at the store. Sennit + Sauvage (pronounced like Senate and Sew-vag) is a handcrafted collection of leather goods and textiles for wear and décor. “My theory—that being handmade does not mean an item shouldn't be held to a high-quality standard—guides everything I create,” Wilmowski says.
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Courtesy of Eclectica
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Courtesy of Eclectica
Wilmowski hand-paints and dyes fabrics and textiles in order to create one-of-a-kind wearable art clothing for her customers. “I strive to make pieces that are unique and well-made, while still being wearable on an everyday basis,” she explains. “I also work to make my pieces fit a wide variety of body sizes and shapes, right from the rack. I have made it a personal mission to create a size-inclusive range of clothing that is completely hand-designed and made here in St. Louis.”
Eclectica is housed in the space formerly occupied by Rocket Century furniture (who moved to the Green Shag Market) on South Grand. The district boasts more than 15 retail shops within a five-block stretch of street. Around the same time Wilmowski opened Eclectica, Urban Matter relocated from Dutchtown to just down the street, and a new garden shop, Garden District STL, popped up. “And the food is fantastic, too," Wilmowski adds. “It’s a trip around the world in a few blocks.” Consider your shopping day planned.
