By Liz Witbeck
The Saratoga Closet opened in Saratoga
Springs in July, offering high-end, luxury fashion
at off-Broadway prices.
Eliza DeRocker is the owner of the store. She
graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology
and worked as a handbag designer for several
labels including Chanel, Bebe, and Ralph Lauren
before launching her own line. Her passion
for fashion led to opening the store, she said.
DeRocker also owns Bride and Gown in
Glens Falls.
Saratoga Closet, at 38 Van Dam St., carries
luxury brands including Gucci, Prada, Jimmy
Choo and Manolo Blahnik.
The store sells tops and pants, dresses and
skirts, handbags and other leather goods, shoes,
coats and jackets, and fine jewelry. Saratoga
Closet also features a bridal section of wellcrafted
gowns from luxury retailers, although
the majority of the bridal line is at her Glens
Falls store.
Margaret Newman creates jewelry for the
store. The 81-year-old has more than 10,000
pieces on display. Her jewelry includes gold,
silver, and precious gem luxury goods.
DeRocker sources items from fashion stylists
in New York City, where she lived for 10
years. She also goes to consignment shops to
find items.
Back at her store, DeRocker prices everything
to sell. Customers can get a discount on luxury
items here that they cannot get at other places.
“There’s something for everybody here,
whether it’s a $5 J Crew wallet or a $1,000 purse,”
she said.
DeRocker has a team she says is very knowledgeable
about the fashion industry working
with her at the store. “The key to success is
customer service,” she said.
Soon, she plans to open another bridal store
in Boston, featuring luxury gowns at deep discounts,
similar to what she offers at her Glens
Falls location.
“Most bridal stores only carry three brands.
We carry 85,” she said. Customers will be able
to get a wedding gown for anywhere from $100
to $3,000.
For more information, www.thesaratogacloset.com.