Palm Cove local Annie adds flavour and fun to fashion
BUSINESS FEATURE
An eclectic array of many clothing styles with unique and quirky pieces - every item carefully handpicked by fashion fanatic Annie Gillow herself.
With a big passion for fashion, Ms Gillow has been successfully operating two vibrant clothing boutiques in Palm Cove; Annie’s at the Beach and Beach Catwalk.
Originally from Brisbane, Ms Gillow moved to the quaint little FNQ seaside town seventeen years ago.
“When my husband Robbie died of cancer, I ended up travelling up to Palm Cove by default,” she told Newsport.
“Robbie and I had visited Palm Cove briefly eight years earlier, falling in love with the area and declaring we would return one day, buy a business and settle here.
“I decided to make the big move and Annie’s was born. It’s amazing how things just fell into place.”
Passion for fashion
Ms Gillow’s great taste for fashion started at the age of twelve when she received her first sewing machine, a 1950s Treadle.
“I was frustrated from wearing hand-me-downs from cousins and friends which never fitted me correctly. This inspired me to put my pedal to the medal and sew my own clothes.
“I always seemed to be fussy about my clothing, even as a young child. I remember begging Mum to buy these fun, colourful buttons so I could take off the ‘boring’ ones from a dress to add the fancy ones.
“Yes, I have a passion for fashion, but it’s much more than that, it's about an outfit that ‘worx’ for you.
“The colour, the style, the size, the length, the comfort and most importantly the fabric is all so important to ensure you love and wear everything in your wardrobe.
“As much as I would prefer to have everything Australian made, it is not possible. So the next best option is that all my stock must support at least one Australian business in their designs, production or wholesaling.”
Thoroughly chosen items
When it comes to picking the items for her two boutiques, Ms Gillow doesn’t limit herself.
“Most of the pieces are what ‘my gut instinct' tells me will be perfect for my customers and then I will look for additional pieces that are a little special, a little different, sometimes a little quirky.
“This ensures customers are always kept guessing, always surprised, always delighted to find their special piece.
“One of the biggest joys for me is when a customer is gobsmacked after they try on a piece that isn’t ‘their usual style’ and see just how amazingly well it works on them.
“Both Annie’s at the Beach and Beach Catwalk are very different shops with different labels and only a six minute walk apart.
“Annie’s at the Beach is the largest boutique in Palm Cove and is situated opposite the playground. The cute Beach Catwalk is around the corner from Chill at Portofino, in Veivers Road.
“Beach Catwalk is now four years old. Starting as a surf clothing store and has quickly expanded to include many other exciting labels, shoes and Australian swimwear.
“From bohemian styles to clever everyday wear, some special and unexpected pieces. For both men and women.
“Annie’s at the Beach has been around for many years. Originally a very small store, Annie’s added swimwear and has moved to Peppers Beach Club.
“It has a diverse range of men’s and women's clothing, with natural fabrics being the priority, plus supportive and comfy shoes and slides. Add to this very clever swimwear for many sizes.
“Palm Cove is a cute little cove that overlooks the Coral Sea and has a great village feel. It’s important that each shop in Palm Cove offers different stock and styles, for both the locals and the visitors.
“As I recently turned 59 I started assessing my life. I decided after opening my stores seven days a week for fourteen years, to reduce the hours by closing Sundays and Public holidays.
“I now enjoy my Sundays in this beautiful part of the world, feeling grateful to live and work in paradise.”
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