Venus in Furs

Tamara, a talented couture, contacted us after reading an article on Wise Womens World in her local press, inviting us to visit her at her new and very special boutique. Tamara guessed we would be interested as her fashions have attracted a number of “wise” women to her shop.  

Tamara also felt that ‘baby boomers’ have been somewhat neglected by clothing manufacturers and she plans to bridge that gap. We agree!

Tamara’s boutique, Venus in Furs, is considered a destination shop at Camperdown (inner Sydney) as it is not located in a retail precinct, so would rarely attract “walk-ins.”
 

Lana:  As I approached this very chic and freshly painted shop, I noticed that it was once a medical surgery because of an old red doctor’s light hanging above entrance. I later discover that the doctor was Tamara’s father-in-law and his surgery had been painstakingly transformed into an elegant looking boutique.

Gigi:  I am pleased to say I arrived at the shop seconds before Lana, which by my standards is exceptional in the extreme.  The door opened and out floated Tamara.  She looked very swish dressed in a black dress and black and white checked coat.  She welcomed us into her charming world.

 

Lana:  As I stepped inside, I marveled at the beautiful and ornate decorations. The shop is a treasure trove of various exquisite and strategically placed curios. The antiquated medicine box, now filled with perfumes and lotions, takes pride of place on the counter.

Gigi:  And the aroma of these gorgeous products was intoxicating.

Lana:  The shop mannequins are draped in absolutely gorgeous gowns and everyday dresses. Tamara explained that she sometimes uses vintage fabrics that she has collected over the years and cotton laces that she says, “you can’t get your hands on anymore”.

Gigi:  The long black dress with its creamy yellow underlay looked exquisite. There was a short black dress with red trim, the soft spotted tops, skirts in plaids and dresses with fun circles in blues and greens made from unique and usual fabrics.  
 

Apart from her retail business, Tamara Dodd is also in demand as a costume designer for theatre and film where she passionately employs her traditional dress making techniques. Her costumes can be seen in various productions including; Death of a Salesman, The Good German, The Carpenter Twins, Mamma Mia the Musical, numerous Belle Shakespeare productions, television shows such as Merrick and Rosso and films; Star Wars Episode 3, and Ghost rider. 

At Venus in Furs, Tamara prefers to create her own designs with period influences, as she finds the fashions more flattering. There’s a small amount of ‘ready to wear’ garments that you can purchase directly from the rack, however, her focus is on evening wear.

Lana:  After scouring the shop, we soon learnt that Tamara is multi-talented, creating elaborate hats, eye-catching jewellery, casual bags, evening bags and even shoes. The garments that she makes are so beautifully finished with linings of various and striking colours and often adorned with vintage trimmings.

Gigi:   Tamara has an eye for detail that is quite unbelievable.  No rough edges and unlined skirts.  Turn her garments inside out and you have seams and linings that are as beautiful as the outside.  Black dresses have blazing red satin linings, edges are bound with lace, special buttons and details are worked into patterns so that each article is lovingly made from the inside out.

Lana:  Tamara designs garments especially for her customer. She wouldn’t recommend a style that did not suit the person, her aim is to dress her customers in flattering clothes so that they feel not only comfortable but beautiful. In this ‘one stop shop’. Tamara can accessorise your outfit with a stylish hat, jewellery, a matching bag and even shoes. Tamara can also source various ‘made to order accessories’ from her associates. Their varied merchandise is available for purchase in the store at very reasonable prices. Tamara showed us a selection of fun and elegant brooches that she stocks, made by an 80 year old women using French Beading that was popular in world war 11.

Gigi:  The shoes, oh the shoes.  How fabulous they were!  Although she prefers to stick with clothes, Tamara has proved she is a ‘Jill of all trades’.  And Lana and I were so impressed with the French Beading flower brooches by the amazing 80 year old Wise Woman, although we are not sure we are quite ready for the beady spiders!

 

Lana:  Within 2 -3 weeks, Tamara can have you looking like a million dollars with a price tag that will not break the bank.

Gigi:  If you want something that is quite special without racking up a bill like Nicole Kidman or Helen Mirren, here is your chance to have a creation made for a fraction of the cost.  This is my kind of place.

Lana:  Imagine having a unique outfit made especially to for you. How wonderful it would be if you were the future mother of the bride (or groom). No more last minute hassles. No running around madly from shop to shop to find matching shoes or accessories.  By leaving it all to Tamara you can save yourself from some real headaches and a whole lot of time. She will have you looking picture perfect for the big day. Tamara also makes the most amazing wedding gowns too!

Gigi:  One stop shopping.  It works for me! 

Lana:  I asked Tamara what current trends would be suitable for the over 50’s woman and she suggested a pencil skirt and boat necked top would look classic and stylish. She also added that swing jackets and dressing in layers was hot at the moment and suitable for all ages. Most importantly, Tamara explained, clothes don’t necessarily need to be trendy, but they do need to be well fitting and comfortable. A skirt for instance, should last for around 3 years.
 

Gigi:  Tamara’s advice has been suitably tucked away. 

It was time to dress up and have some fun.

Lana:  Tamara tried on various hats on me, yes, I must confess, I do have a hat fetish. I loved the netted hat, and that green felt hat took me back to the 40's. This cute red knitted hat (80% wool) was snug and only $29.95 – bargain (see the hats below) Remember hats need to be tilted to the left side of the head. I also tried on a beautifully made red pencil skirt with black polka dots – it was divine, it could be made to fit me for $150.

Gigi:  Tamara set to work combing the stand for a hat and handmade bag for Lana to go with the outfit she was wearing.    A few well chosen items and its instant style and pizzazz.  And the beautifully made green felt hat suit Lana completely.

Lana:  Gigi tried on a vintage styled top, a shawl, hat, bag and matching jewellery - she stepped out of the dressing room looking totally chic and ready for any occasion.

Gigi:   Tamara was dying for someone to try on her vintage lace popover top.  Grey is not usually one of my preferred colour but it went surprisingly well over my own skirt and with the skill of an artist, a grey beret, red beads and red shawl, I was ready for more….

Venus in Furs has only been opened for a few of months and we feel that Tamara’s passion for timeless fashion and her meticulous attention to detail (including some hand sewing), and her very reasonable price tags, sets her apart from many other couture’s. This boutique even stocks gift items such as novelty soaps, candles, perfumes and lotions.

Lana:  I asked Tamara what inspires and motivates her and she replied, “Creating something beautiful and being really proud of it. I want my customers walking away feeling very satisfied with something they love”.

Gigi:  You could see that Tamara really adores the materials and the beautiful clothes she makes.  Because of her work in the theatre, I believe her outfits become beautiful custom made costumes, especially her evening wear. 

Lana:  I think Tamara is on to something here. I love Venus in Furs and I will be back. I’m just waiting for an invitation to a special occasion so I have an excuse to spoil myself with something tailor made.

Gigi:  I agree with Lana, Venus in Furs is a very special place.  And I will be back also, if not for a gorgeous outfit, it will be just to buy another cake of that beautiful handmade Voilet soap. What a perfume!

Venus in Fur 63 Kingston Road, Camperdown, phone Tamara Dodd on (02) 80216794. Opening hours are Thursday to Friday: 3pm-7pm, Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday 12pm-5pm.