In Newfoundland many small children hear the words alley-coosh as the sun begins to set; these commonly used words translates to 'off to bed' in the Canadian province. Alley-coosh meant so much more however to Paulette Martsolf, a native to Newfoundland, who began her design career on this popular bedtime idiom.
At age 28 Paulette was recognized as the top design graduate from Sheridan College in Toronto and soon after studied at the Paris Fashion Institute in France. After exploring her aspirations in fashion abroad, she began a brief yet career defining stint in Calgary with a popular line of pajamas. Successful sales ensued yet when her largest order shipped with damaged materials she opted to not re-order and remade the pajamas herself with the help of a supportive friend. Her clients were thrilled and Paulette-- even more ecstatic as she had just seen a glimpse of what was to come.
Married to a U.S. Paleontologist stationed in Canada she brought her design dreams to the United States when he transferred back to America in 1989. Now with her own line of pajamas titled Allie-Coosh she put her sights on a boutique space in Snider Plaza to showcase her chic line of sleepwear.
Although she evolved from pajamas to everyday and special occasion wear in the first three years of business, comfortable style never left her design portfolio. A prestigious crowd of Park Cities women began to beckon Paulette for custom made designs for weddings, charity galas and daytime wear. Increased business prompted a boutique expansion over the years and the opening of a production studio across prestigious Snider Plaza.
Paulette's line consists of a variety of novelty textiles such as cashmere, cotton, linen and organza yet has an exceptionally high demand for her signature custom dyed fabric. This fabric, imported from Japan, is well received by her sophisticated audience who enjoys jet setting and socializing in style and comfort. A compliment to every body type, she has more than 40 colors in this special fabric and spotlights a variety of cuts on the boutique floor.
In addition to her unique/exclusive clothing label Paulette recently launched a handmade jewelry line, which incorporates inspiration from the rugged coastline of Newfoundland known to the natives as 'The Rock'. This appreciation for natural elements blended with her husband's influence as a paleontologist produces necklaces, bracelets and earrings constructed of dinosaur bones, mammoth tusk, antique ivory, raw amber, black jade, pyrite, raw crystal, Ethiopian silver, Mali prayer beads, coral, wood, leather, feathers and more. Her one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces are only found in Dallas, Texas within her boutique showroom.
Paulette carries a love for fashion as well as for her community, and near and far philanthropies. She has a long list of organizations in which she has contributed her time, materials and financial support. Most recently, Allie-Coosh produced the event titled Wigs, Wardrobes and Wine benefiting The Bridge Breast Network. The event put a spotlight on an informal fashion show which debuted her new jewelry designs, summer lines and wigs from Mimi's Wig Boutique due to Paulette's affection and daily wear of these versatile tresses. The wigs became the star attraction of the occasion; guests and models played with a variety of wig styles throughout the occasion and Mimi and Paulette donated a generous number of wigs to The Bridge Breast Network at the close of the event. These donated wigs will ultimately be given to the clients of The Bridge who are experiencing hair loss due to breast cancer treatments.
About Allie-Coosh: Allie-Coosh is an upscale women's boutique in Snider Plaza which has catered to the sophisticated woman for over 18 years. Owner Paulette Martsolf spotlights her very own custom designed apparel and jewelry lines inspired from her Newfoundland roots, design studies abroad and life travels. Her clothing collection consists of many exotic fabrics as well as their signature fabric in a variety of styles and in more than 40 colors. The showroom floor silhouettes trend toward special occasion wear, which is well received by the refined woman with a stylish edge. Furthermore, Paulette and her skilled staff can customize fabric, color, etc. for the Allie-Coosh client. Her recently debuted jewelry line is constructed of natural elements such as amber, ivory, dinosaur bone, pyrite and other natural elements. Allie-Coosh also carries a small collection of lines from her favorite accessory designers/artists.
6726 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205
214.363.8616; 10:00 am- 6:00 pm; Mon-Sat
http://www.allie-coosh.com
About Paulette Martsolf: Paulette Martsolf is a Newfoundland native who began her fashion design career at the age of 20. She garnered top design school honors from Sheridan College in Toronto and studied design abroad in Paris, France. Launching her successful 18 years in fashion off of a pajama pattern she is thrilled to now offer cutting edge daytime, evening and jewelry designs for the refined female who seeks trend and comfort. Her fashion influence has proven to be popular in and far beyond the Park Cities and her charitable spirit—even further.
Paulette has produced two fashion shows and was featured in six shows as a platinum sponsor for the philanthropy Attitudes and Attire and three fashion shows at Artfest in Santa Fe. She has also been a guest designer for four years at El Centro College. Additionally, she has served as a board member for Fashion Group International and contributed to Dallas Assistance League, Junior Charity League for Parkland Rehabilitation, Salvation Army Annual Fashion Show, Texas Discovery Gardens, American Heart Association, United Way, MDA Telethon, SafeHaven, The Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, American Cancer Society, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International, Roundup for Autism, Fashion Group Foundation Fund, Presbyterian Night Shelter, Dallas Theater Center, Dallas Museum of Art, YMCA, Girls, Inc., Dallas Women's Foundation, Chi Omega Christmas Market, Notre Dame School benefiting mentally handicapped students, Northwood Women's Club and more.