Local Seamstress, Fashion Lover Takes Over Former Bird of Paradise Boutique
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Nestled inside the historic Grant Plaza in downtown Saratoga Springs is the city’s newest formal wear boutique – Saratoga Elegance. While the location might ring a bell for many, as it was formerly the home of Bird of Paradise, the boutique is now under the ownership of Yana La Page.
Bird of Paradise Boutique operated for more than 30 years under the direction of Denise Eliopulos and later, Connie Redgrave. A community favorite and formal wear boutique staple, La Page says when the business went up for sale she knew it would be the perfect fit for her.
“I purchased the business and decided to give it a fresh start…new owner, new name,” said La Page. “I love dresses and gowns.”
La Page is also a seamstress and owner of Saratoga’s “WillFitUin” alterations, specializing in four key areas with high quality precision and craftsmanship: wedding gowns, prom gowns, tailored alterations, and custom-designed clothing. Her experience as a seamstress, La Page says, gives her an advantage when consulting with women searching for the perfect dress for a special occasion.
“I can look at a customer’s skin tone, hair color and body type and find dresses they’ll look great in because I know the structure of the garment and how they’re made,” said La Page. “And if a customer loves a garment that needs to be altered, I can tell whether that garment can be altered and still look great.”
Saratoga Elegance has been in operations for the last two months and while the name and ownership have changed, the boutique still carries collections from favorite designers like Sue Wong, Sophia Tolli and Beverly Siri and has hundreds of dresses and gowns to choose from.
La Page recently attended several fashion shows in New York City and hand-picked garments for the boutique, incorporating new styles and color palates. From high-school aged clients searching for that perfect prom gown, to mothers looking for a “Mother of the Bride” dress, La Page says she keeps every customer in mind when picking out garments for the boutique.
Although Saratoga Elegance is a rather new business, La Page is already looking to the future and hopes to grow the boutique and possibly combine both Saratoga Elegance and “WillFitUin” one day.
“We would love to expand. I’d like to carry even more gowns and eventually carry accessories to be a one-stop-shop,” said La Page. “That way, it’s more convenient for customers to have their accessories paired together with their gowns by someone with a professional eye. I’d also like to have both of my businesses in one building so if alterations needed to be done, customers wouldn’t have to go anywhere else.”
La Page says she’s also looking to grow further into the realm of custom-designed pieces and being able to provide plus-sized dresses and gowns.
“We love to make women look beautiful for their special day,” said La Page.
