Opale Boutique: Winnipeg’s Gem for Eco-Friendly Fashion
Advertisement
At 70 Albert St. in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, Opale Boutique offers more than just fashion; it offers stories, sustainability, and a second life for clothing. Owned by Ruby Kast, the shop’s motto, “reduce, reuse, refashion,” sums up its mission: to keep beautiful garments out of the landfill while helping customers discover unique pieces that feel truly their own.
“These are gently used pieces that people bring in for consignment,” explains Kast. “We want things to have a second chance, and you can find something really special here that not everyone else is wearing.”
Opale began just under two years ago, growing out of Kast’s long-time love for thrifting and consignment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, while raising a young baby, she started selling clothing online. One day, walking to the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, she noticed a vacant retail space in the Exchange. “It was already set up as a shop, and I thought, ‘I barely have room at home; it’s a sign.’”
Photo by Helen Lepp Friesen
Ruby Kast is the owner of Opale Boutique, which is located at 70 Albert St.
Opale features not just consignment clothing but also accessories, crystals, incense, and locally-made items like jewelry and handbags. Interested consignors can book an appointment through Instagram or by phone, and the store handles the selling process and payout (Instagram: opale_wpg).
The name itself reflects Kast’s personal connection to her work: “Opal is my favorite stone. Since we also carry crystals, I wanted the name to tie into that. And I love Italian culture, so we used the Italian word, Opale.”
For Kast, the highlights come when a customer lights up finding the perfect piece. “It’s amazing to see their eyes when they find that thing they didn’t even know they were looking for.” One of her most memorable sales was a 1950s angora sleeveless top with a delicate beaded collar. “I’ve never seen anything like it, and it was really great to pass that on.”
Running a brick-and-mortar store has its challenges, especially competing with online shopping trends. “We really want people to walk around their neighbourhoods and discover these pieces in person. The Exchange brings people in, especially in summer, but winter can be tough.”
Despite those challenges, Kast remains passionate about supporting her community and countering fast fashion. “It’s nice to know I’m helping the local economy, helping people find something meaningful, and keeping clothes out of the landfill.”