ISOLA BELLA
CLOTHING & SHOES FOR CHILDREN: Kerrisdale’s Beautiful Boutique Story by Sarah Gordon
photos by Carolynne Palla
The name Isola Bella is as unique as the clothing found in Julia Molnar’s beautiful boutique. Julia has fond memories of visiting the Italian island Isola Bella (which means beautiful island) and thought it would be the perfect name for her shop. Isola Bella is the oldest baby and children's clothing store in Vancouver. Here you will find a curated assortment of both established and up-and-coming European labels. Many of the shop’s collections and other items cannot be found elsewhere in Canada. The store also carries clothing for teens and women. The business began in 1983 in South Granville and relocated to Kerrisdale’s West Boulevard in 1987. In 1993 Isola Bella moved to its Yew Street location where it has thrived for 28 years. Julia developed a love for fashion when she 8
worked at an Italian clothing shop for women. Her passion for children’s fashion was born before she had children. On a trip to Europe, she became smitten by the smaller sizes of stylish clothing. She opened the shop three years before her first child was born. Subsequently, she had five more children. Many mothers likely wonder how she not only raised six children but also operated a successful business simultaneously. She says, “I was crazy busy, but also very organized. My kids have always supported my career and understood my buying trips and working Saturdays. Retail is hard work; you are only as good as your last season. Kids are hard work too, and as mums we get tired! I did have help at home when they were younger; I had to make an allowance for this. I somehow managed to send them to amazing schools
April 15 - June 15, 2021
KerrisdaleInsider.com
