Chislehurst Bela boutique owner turns 90

Bela is the owner of the beloved boutique at 26 High Street in Chislehurst which first opened in 1978.

One of the main attractions of her store is her faithful companion, Teddy, a 17-year-old dog who sits in the window every day.

Bela and Teddy “have become the talk of the town, with people popping in just to see them and make sure Bela is okay”.

Bela’s daughter-in-law Joanne Cochrane explained that it is remarkable that at her age, “Bela looks and acts as if she were 60 years old”.

Her passion for fashion goes back many years and she used to be a model back in the 60s.

Bela's memories (Image: David C)

She had the opportunity to work with some of the top designers of the time and be part of the fashion revolution that was taking place.

With her impeccable style and eye for fashion, she made a name for herself in the industry.

Bela's experience as a model and her love for fashion inspired her to open her own boutique in 1978.

She had always dreamed of owning her own store since she was a young girl.

Bela told Overdue magazine that she had a keen eye for fashion and a natural knack for styling as well as receiving compliments on her fashion choices.

The boutique became a success, as there were no other stores like it in the area at the time as the big brands were in Central London, and she wanted to make fashion it more accommodating for the local community.

Bela saw the potential in Chislehurst and took a leap of faith by persuading her husband to sell their family home in order to finance the shop.

She lost her husband, John, in 1986 - he was the great-grandson of Admiral Lord Thomas Cochrane, who is buried in front of the altar in Westminster Abbey.

Bela told Overdue magazine that she feels incredibly fortunate and that owning the store has been a dream come true - she is grateful for every day she gets to spend doing what she loves.

Bela's zest for life and her dedication to her boutique has made her a beloved figure in the Chislehurst community.