By Julia Howard
Parents know that every stitch matters when it comes to clothing for children and babies. Trendy Empress Boutique, a new children’s clothing company based in Fort Edward, introduces a clothing line focusing on functional, wearable goods made with high-quality fabrics with fun prints.
Jessica Gerber, owner and creator of Trendy Empress Boutique, started the business one year ago when she received a sewing machine as a Christmas present. “I sewed so much that the machine broke in two months,” Gerber laughs. This happening did not deter Gerber from her love of creating clothes.
“Ever since I was little, I have always loved fashion,” explains Gerber. A busy mother of two young boys and an engineer by day, Gerber works at designing and creating clothes in her free time.
“I wanted to make comfortable and sturdy clothes for my kids because there isn’t very much variety for boys in stores,” says Gerber. Even though she is new to sewing, she dedicates herself to the task. Gerber enjoys the process so much that she brings her handmade creations to the community as a new vendor at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.
Gerber primarily makes kid’s clothing, hats, scarves, and hair accessories for newborn to teen sizes. Her designs include dresses, rompers, shirt and pants sets, toddler underwear, boxers, and briefs.
Her styles vary; some are simple, classic pieces, while others have fun character prints like Bluey. Gerber also makes gender-neutral clothes with charming patterns and prints for babies and toddlers.
Trendy Empress Boutique offers festive children’s holiday outfits emphasizing wearability, function, and comfort. The holiday line includes red velvet dresses with faux fur trim, Santa shirt and pants sets, and dresses and tops made with festive Santa and reindeer patterns paired with black pants.
For Gerber, the quality of the material she works with is crucial to the integrity of Trendy Empress clothing. “I try to source most of the material from small, women-owned businesses,” says Gerber. She works with cotton, bamboo cotton, and some cotton-poly blends – all breathable, soft materials that wash and wear well. “It’s important that my clothes are functional for parents, too,” Gerber says.
You can find Trendy Empress Boutique on Saturdays at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, and Gerber accepts custom and upcycle orders by email at trendyempress@gmail.com. Trendy Empress Boutique’s website is under construction, but you can find the company on Facebook and Instagram @TrendyEmpress.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Wilton Mall Food Court. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket.
