Landmark Hermosa: Fernando's

Fernando Adames and his wife, Renessa, have cut, sewn, and patched unique fabrics to create one-of-a-kind garments and home accessories at their store, Fernando's, for 30 years.

The clothing and accessories boutique opened in October 1980, shortly after Adames moved from his native Colombia to Hermosa Beach.

"I didn't want to wait for somebody to deliver the clothes I wanted," he said. Thus, Fernando opened his store in hopes of "filling the gap."

Unlike other iconic Hermosa shops, such as Spyder Surfboards or Becker Surf, Adames said that his Hermosa Avenue gem "fills the gap" for residents that have places to go other than the beach.

From vintage to handmade, Adames said that the selection of menswear, for example, is "for the guy who's going somewhere."

Whether it's to a "cruise, a bar mitzvah, if you're getting promoted, or going to a party...there's a shirt for you," he said.

Garments sold at Fernando's range from new to vintage, and the Adames couple customizes some. Adding a touch of new fabrics to an existing blouse or jacket is Fernando's specialty in creating unique pieces.

Women can also find one-of-a-kind tops that Adames' wife, Renessa, hand-sews at the back of the store, where a collection of hundreds of fabrics reside.

"I get inspired by the fabrics," she said. "I don't use them more than twice and the girls love that."

Adames said that the fabrics he buys are the ones that make him go "ooh" and "aah."

From fleece to feathers to crocodile skin, they are transformed into bracelets, scarves, pillows, blankets, jackets, and more.

"My biggest accomplishment in 30 years is being resourceful, being creative and not having time to complain," he said.

With decades under their store's belt, the young-at-heart couple is currently working on launching an online store.

Congratulations to Rick Koenig, the Hermosa Beach Historical Society president, for winning today's Landmark Hermosa. We'll have a new landmark to guess next Friday.