DESIGNS FROM GG COLLECTIONS BRING OUT EACH WOMAN’S INNER POWER
Deborah “Gg” Render has a talent for accentuating every woman’s unique beauty. The clothing designer, stylist and tailor is the founder and owner of Gg Collections boutique at 5201 W. North Ave.
“I am passionate about making all women feel confident,” she said. “I love design, and I consider the body to be a blank canvas and fabric the medium. As soon as a woman slips into a gown or a suit made especially for her, I want her to feel good about herself.”
Render opened her shop in 2010. She moved to the building after decades of designing, sewing and serving customers in the basement of her former home and a space in the Third Ward. She named her company “Gg” for “gorgeous girl” – a term of endearment used for her by her late husband, Craig.
“He would say, gorgeous girls are God’s gift, so the name was given to me just like that,” Render said.
She got an early start in fashion, designing clothing for her Barbie doll when she was just 5 years old. At first, she secretly cut fabric from the family’s tablecloths and curtains. When her mother realized her passion for fashion was genuine, she introduced her to a fabric store and sewing with an “itty bitty” machine at age 8.
Render never needed to go to design school. She is self-taught and makes almost all of Gg’s pieces herself, with the exception of leggings and jogging suits. She also creates some of the jewelry available at the boutique.
“To this day I can make a dress out of anything,” she said. “Why not? You never know what you’ll create. The ability to take a piece of fabric, or anything else for that matter, and mold it into a beautiful masterpiece is extremely gratifying.”
No limits
Render finds inspiration everywhere, from haute couture to vintage looks from the 1930s and ‘40s straight from her grandmother’s closet. Her eclectic sense of style helps her envision signature pieces. Customers know that when they put on an outfit from Gg, they will never see another woman wearing the same thing.
“Whether women are from Milwaukee, Miami, Detroit or New York, they always say they want to look different, they don’t want to look like everyone else,” Render said. “That’s why I decided to be very exclusive. I cater to my customers individually because I want them to feel like they’re on top of the world when they put on a Gg Collections outfit.”
Render’s specialty is dressing women and girls for events, dances and parties. In addition to clothing, the boutique carries Jewels by Gg as well as hats and other accessories.
Gg Collections isn’t just another shop. It’s a destination where customers sit, sip and share. It’s a place where Render ensures that every woman feels special when she walks into the shop and powerful when she walks out.
“I’m not here to just sell a dress, I’m more concerned with what looks good on you and your individual aesthetic,” she said. “I’m always honest with my customers. I let them know what to emphasize. If they have something they want to downplay, I can help with that, too.”
Custom-designed garments need to be ordered from Gg at least a month in advance, which provides time for an initial consultation, discussing colors and fabric, selecting and ordering the fabric, taking measurements, designing and sewing, scheduling fittings and making adjustments. Included are recommendations for specifics such as the style of the neckline, sleeves and skirt for each piece.
Full circle
In addition to running a business, Render was a middle school teacher for nearly 40 years. She retired two years ago after teaching social studies for most of her career and home economics for the last eight years.
At the former Business and Economics Academy of Milwaukee, she helped her students learn how to start fashion businesses. They designed and made clothes, put on fashion shows and sold the clothes in a store. They put the money they earned into their own bank accounts.
“I was hard on my students because I wanted them to always be better,” Render said. “It’s the same way I help women. Whether you are going to a party or to work, you want to be your best.”
Most customers find Gg Collections through word of mouth, social media and street traffic.
“Being on North Avenue where it’s busy, having a nice big window, helps,” she said. “My display doesn’t hurt at all; I take pride in changing my windows.”
While Render is based in Milwaukee’s Uptown Crossing Business District, her fashion sense is global.
“I want the way I design not only to influence all women, but also the fashion industry,” she said. “Because daring to be different is different — if you dare!”
For more information about Gg Collections, visit https://ggcollectionsboutique.com or call 414-630-5360.