ISOLA BELLA

CLOTHING & SHOES FOR CHILDREN: Kerrisdale’s Beautiful Boutique

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.

Julia Molnar, Owner of Isola Bella

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 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 where they benefited from sports, arts and music as well as academics. I never really had any time for myself. It was not a sacrifice; it was just a way of life. The thing is, I love what I do. Even though I think I make it look easy, it’s actually a lot of work and my kids respect me for this. Now that the business is well established and the kids are older I have more time to myself.”

My goal was to curate a space with things no one had seen before, and 37 years later we are still exclusive and unique.

Over 25 different collections can be found inside this well-loved shop.

Some of the lovely lines include 1+ IN THE FAMILY, made in Barcelona. This collection features timeless, comfortable, and versatile clothing that is made to last throughout a baby’s early years.

Since 1870, French company Pom D’api has designed and created quality shoes for children. Isola Bella carries footwear for first walkers up to size 38 ladies.

Bellerose is a collection for boys and girls made in Antwerp, Belgium. Julia says, “It is very different and sporty and the colours are interestingly gorgeous.”

Maan is another Belgian children’s line for girls and boys. Two friends who attended design school together in London founded the company. Their pieces are both creative and elegant.

Iconic British designer Paul Smith designs his boy’s collection with a focus on fun through his use of vibrant stripes and prints. Julia remarks, “It is just brilliant. Boys want to wear it.”

She compares the French brand Bonton to a fairy tale with its nostalgic and vintage feeling. Bonton was launched by the son of the founders of Bonpoint. Julia loves the collection so much she took the line out of Isola Bella and opened a Bonpoint shop in South Granville two years ago.

Julia mentions, “We have always done very well with parents looking for dressier items for special occasions, where sweats won’t work! Personally, I’ve always loved to dress up a little nicer when I go out and I know my kids do too. It makes us feel better I think, it can be a day changer. It is a cultural thing too. Italians, Greeks, Europeans in general, and Asians have always loved to dress their children up.”

Prior to the pandemic, Julia travelled twice annually to Paris on buying trips. During COVID-19 she has been forced to buy virtually and finds this way of ordering a challenge. She misses not being able to feel the fabrics or see the whole look and concept of a collection.

She and her staff miss the social aspect of the store with a limit of two people in at a time. “We miss holding babies and hugging children. We used to have to have a playroom and we had to take that away too. We love our customers,” she says.

Investing in quality clothing pays off. I love seeing the clothing passed down to siblings, relatives and friends.

People travel from far and wide to visit this special store. While they are in Kerrisdale, Julia makes a point of directing them to her favourite shops in the area, so they get a sense of what this fabulous community has to offer.

Costume designers and celebrities have been known to shop at Isola Bella, and their positive word of mouth helps business.

Isola Bella’s loyal customers have told Julia the shop can never go out of business because they want to dress their grandchildren at Isola Bella.

Ultimately, what does Julia find most rewarding about owning her boutique? “As a small business owner, I can operate it my way. I have visions of how I see the shop and it is very particular. I get inspiration from everything and I love buying something that is shockingly gorgeous and I pray that someone out there falls in love with it the way I do,” she says with a warm smile.

Isola Bella Clothing & Shoes for Children, 5692 Yew Street, Vancouver, BC V6M 3Y3.Telephone 604-266-8808 www.isolabellakids.com