(Chloe’ Valentine and Michelle Elise at work. Photo: Jeanette Attile)
Why an ellipse? “Did you ever see the movie I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry?” Elise asked. “There’s a point at which the Asian minister said, ‘Now place the ring on his hand. A ring is like a circle, it goes on forever. It’s not like a triangle, triangle have corners. It’s like a circle.’… Infinity, cycles, circle of life, yada yada. But I like the ellipse better because it connotes change, non-uniformity and something different.”
Everything in the store — clothes, accessories, jewelry and home furnishings — has an element of something recycled or vintage, so the ellipse, said Elise, is a nice symbol of closing the loop that way and reducing waste as well. In case you were wondering, it has nothing to do with her last name. And in case you didn’t know, all planets’ orbits around their suns are ellipses.
Elise said about 30 percent of the inventory in the store is created, or re-created, onsite. The rest comes from other designers and artisans doing the same thing, and a couple of companies that are recycling fibers or post-production waste. Nothing in the store is made in China. She is looking for more local artists to contribute their product lines. There are colorful bags crafted from salvaged fabrics, made by Linda Oehler Marx of New Paltz’s ReHaberdash, and a Saratoga-based designer as well.
“Two words sum her up: Creative. Innovative,” said Francis of his store’s new inhabitant. “We both take old stuff to create new things and use them in new and different ways.” Francis referred to Elise as a “talented artist, appreciating her knack for “re-birthing” old fabrics and remnants into a second life.
“Moreover, [Elise] is one of the most loyal community-minded neighbors,” Francis added. “She supports her local community in so many ways.” Francis felt the community would support her as well, with the feeling that they would be “interested and excited” by the unique and whimsical nature of her shop.
To show some love, visit Ellipse’s Facebook page.
Sounds great, are these clothes and altering expensive. I have trouble buying clothes because I am heavy and short so everything I buy is to long or not big enough.
Nice article. The quality of the designs make visiting Michelle and her shop always a delight.
And on another note I should have included: Michelle did a brilliant little patch on a sheepskin coat… totally saved it!