Indie Fashion comes to Waterloo

Cloud 9 found a home at 15613 Waterloo Road in the former Salty Not Sweet storefront. Cloud 9 celebrated with a soft opening in early May, and will be having a grand opening at the Waterloo Arts Festival.

Donald L. Hayes, proprietor stated that: “Gucci, Prada as well as other famed fashion houses started somewhere…I chose to open on Waterloo. I plan to celebrate the designers’ creations by staging them properly in the building space. I also want to utilize the display window presence on Waterloo as in days gone by. We will paint a portrait of the designers’ work in this pleasing storefront located within this remarkably creative arts and entertainment district that Waterloo aspires to be. This is why I chose Waterloo.”

The building is located right next to the Arts Collinwood Gallery. Mr. Hayes hopes to create a space for the celebration of local designers to market their wares. Mr. Hayes states: “I share the enthusiasm for design that the designers will convey in their work and ultimately will help them celebrate their dream of creating quality designer clothing for fashion-conscious men and women.”

Donald L. Hayes spends the school year teaching art at E/V Prep School, part of Breakthrough Charter Schools. When not teaching school, Mr. Hayes meets with local designers who share his enthusiasm for fashion and determine whether they fit Cloud 9’s brand.

Style will always be in fashion at Cloud 9 and will include a mixture of Contemporary, Urban and Vintage styles by local designers. “I plan to carry designers such as L & R Couture, Sace Styles (SS), and Anton Z to name a few. I want them to buy into Cloud 9’s notion of: 'In Fashion we love and trust,' as well as 'Trends fade but style is eternal,' a quote I borrowed from the late designer, Alexander McQueen,” stated Hayes. You can learn more about them at http://oncloud9.moonfruit.com/ and visit their grand opening celebration during the Waterloo Arts Fest, June 25 from 12 noon to 7 PM. WELCOME CLOUD 9!

John Boksansky is the  Business District Manager for Northeast Shores Development Corporation.