Children’s clothing brand gets pop-up space in Wellesley bank

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Yvonne Piper launched Piper & Cloth, a children's clothing brand using natural fabrics to reduce irritation, and this fall the brand opened its first physical pop-up shop in The Village Bank’s Wellesley branch. The rent-free 750-square-foot space supports local businesses and aims to build community engagement while showcasing timeless, durable garments designed for longevity.

At 18, Yvonne Piper experienced a severe allergic reaction linked to the dye in a pair of jeans, a moment that shaped her approach to clothing and eventually led her to launch a children’s clothing brand centered on natural fabrics. In 2022, she founded Piper & Cloth, which focuses on timeless, vintage-inspired designs made from materials less likely to cause irritation.

This fall, Piper & Cloth took a significant step by opening a physical retail space within The Village Bank’s Wellesley branch. The 750-square-foot pop-up storefront, called The Village Shop, is a unique initiative by The Village Bank to support local businesses by offering rent-free retail space for six months. Piper & Cloth is the first brand to occupy this space.

The storefront features clothing with classic details such as Peter Pan collars, smocking, puff sleeves, and prints designed to be passed down through generations. Piper, who initially learned to sew to make garments for herself and her family, combines this hands-on approach with partnerships involving manufacturers in India and California. While she maintains a role in production, she also works full-time in child welfare, focusing on policies designed to protect children.

Joe De Vito, president and CEO of The Village Bank, described the pop-up shop as a way to revitalize the community and provide local entrepreneurs with a physical platform that might otherwise be financially prohibitive. He emphasized that the project prioritizes community support over revenue generation.

Piper acknowledged that the prices of her garments—often exceeding $100—may not be affordable for all families but defended the investment by emphasizing durability, versatility, and the potential for clothes to be handed down and altered over time. She expressed hope that increased manufacturing efficiencies and sales growth would allow her to offer more affordable options in the future.

Looking ahead, Piper said she aims for the pop-up to foster more than just sales, seeking ongoing community engagement and support even after the storefront closes. The Village Shop is located at 579 Washington Street in Wellesley, and more information about Piper & Cloth is available at piperandcloth.com.

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