By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
iBARE Giftware is a family run business centred around style, fashion, flair and giving back to their local community.
Sisters Magda D’Abaco and Kathryn Carricondo have been designing and manufacturing jewellery, handbags and clothing with their own unique styling for seven years.
Their recently opened Berwick store boasts a boutique cafe and espresso machine for ladies to quite literally “shop till they drop”.
“Our new Berwick boutique is about bringing that European lifestyle to life – we sell detox teas and coffee and it makes for a really relaxed and friendly atmosphere,” Ms D’Abaco said.
Bringing Europe to the south-east in more ways than one, the fashion duo imports material, fabric, leather, murano glass and crystal from around the world.
“Our accessories and lifestyle ranges are all made and designed by us and being a Polish family we are big on European quality and our customers know our style and that it’s affordable,” Ms D’Abaco said.
Opening their first store in Westfield Fountain Gate three years ago the sisters have had a warehouse in Hallam where they sell wholesale to more than 400 businesses Australia wide for four years.
With a background in economics and business Ms D’Abaco said after her stint in London working for UK Vogue she couldn’t help but fall in love with the world of fashion.
“I loved it all and the hype and feel of it and wanted to put a different spin on things and make an affordable collection so my sister being in merchandising and design was the perfect partner,” Ms D’Abaco said.
“At first we were like a party plan service and we evolved into wholesaling and design but our backbone has always been to give back to local charities and fundraisers.”
The iBare team has managed to give back more than $65,000 to the community through donating prizes to be raffled and lending their showroom space to local groups for events.
Their Berwick showroom has started a new initiative “spotlight charity of the month” in which all the profit from the sale of coffee and tea gets donated back to a nominated charity.
“Local charities and fundraisers are encouraged to express interest to be selected for the nominated month,” Ms D’Abaco said.
The store located on Adams Lane, Berwick, and the showroom in Hallam is available six days a week and can comfortably hold up to 30 people.
