The Elmwood neighborhood continues its gentle gentrification with the recent arrival of a very stylish design and tailoring studio, occupying part of the refurbished Bolfing’s Hardware store at 2951 College Avenue, near the corner of Ashby.
Keneuoe Vivere — or K/V Studio — is owned by local resident Keneuoe who has been designing clothes in the East Bay for several years. The College Avenue space includes a showroom where a good selection of her sharply tailored suits, coats, dresses and shirts are displayed, and a generously sized fitting room in the back.
Keneuoe says her clothes are geared towards professional women with a strong sense of self-expression.
All the studio’s designs are made to order. Sewing and tailoring is done in Berkeley by local seamstresses. Eventually Keneuoe plans to introduce a couture line which will include bridal wear.
With its stark white walls, newly installed skylight, gray panels and recessed lighting, the space is a worthy backdrop for the classic designs. Designer Nina Taylor worked on the playful window and interior displays which include vintage sewing paraphernalia. And two artists are currently exhibiting work there: Matt Phillips and Victor Cohen-Smith.
Watch the slideshow above for a peek inside.
[Photos by Tracey Taylor.]
