By Peg DeGrassa
PROSPECT PARK — Delaware County is a melting pot of countless nationalities’ rich traditions and cultures, mixed with modern American trends and influences. Reflecting such a vibrant mixture is Rem De Trendy Fashion store, which opened this past fall at 621B Chester Pike. The part-African, part- American blended style boutique specializes in formal and casual wear, as well as custom made dresses for proms, weddings, Communions, Confirmations, christenings and other special occasions.
Rem De Trendy Fashion is the creation of designer/owner Remi Oyelami of Folcroft. The talented seamstress is a native of Lagos, Nigeria, where she opened her first dress shop, which is still in successful operation today.
“I always liked to sew,” Oyelami explained. “And I always loved beautiful fabric and stylish fashion!”
The Prospect Park store is full of Ankra, Aso Ebi and other Nigerian fabrics, French lace, exotic matching shoes and purses, male and female sandals, jewelry and beads, shawls, hats, scarves, hair ties and other accessories. Although there are racks of pre-made men’s and women’s shirts and pants, and other dresses and outfits for browsing and buying, Oyelami has her sewing machine set up and ready to custom-make any order.
“If a customer can’t find it, I will usually be able to make it,” she said.
The shop owner can be found in the store all day, every day, happily sewing in between greeting and helping customers. The store owner said that, ever since opening day, she has been enjoying meeting and talking with those in the community who come into her shop.
She recently made original prom dresses for some students at Interboro High School, as well as both traditional and modern wedding dresses for customers’ upcoming nuptials. The store also carries imported clothes for toddlers through teens, as well as various African foods, both frozen and non-perishable kinds.
“I mostly carry food items for the convenience of my customers, so that they can do one-stop shopping here, and not have to travel to the city to get the food they like,” the entrepreneur stated.
Remi has made her home in America with her husband Johnson for 15 years. Johnson owns Integrated Resource & Staffing Services LLC in Springfield. They have a 13-year-old daughter Oyebuki, who attends Our Lady of Angels Regional Catholic School, and an 8-year-old son Oyebamiji, who attends Sharon Hill Elementary School.
When not busy at the store, Oyelami is active, along with her family, in their church, Christ Apostolic Church of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.
“My store offers some beautiful merchandise,” Oyelami stated. “Many things in here you won’t find at other places — they’re unique and one-of-a-kind. Whatever you don’t find, I can make. I invite people to stop by with their ideas and see if we can work together to create what they have in mind.”
Rem De Trendy Fashion, with parking behind the store, is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Saturday and closed on Sunday. For more information, call 610-905-4106 or follow “Rem De Trendy Fashion” on Instagram or Facebook.
Peg DeGrassa
Editor of Town Talk, News & Press of Delaware County
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