“A changing room is where the magic happens.” This phrase is Kathy Morris’ fashion philosophy as well as the inspiration for her new shop, The Changing Room.
The Radisson resident, who is wild about fashion, has brought years of experience as a professional buyer to Baldwinsville through her business, which is located on the second floor of Cottage Designs. The Changing Room offers the latest styles of feminine, vintage-inspired clothing and accessories purchased from LA and New York City clothing lines.
“Currently I’m inspired by the West Coast style, and by Coco Chanel,” Morris said.
The Changing Room, Morris’ first business since moving to Radisson five years ago, initially opened last spring when she was using a smaller space at Cottage Designs. Morris continued to add space through the fall, eventually moving into the largest space available on the co-op’s second floor.
“I decided that it was time to try to make my dream a reality,” Morris said, adding she loves the ‘home town’ feel of the village. “[I’m] excited by its growth and by all the new shops that have recently come to the village.”
While Morris admits fashion is constantly changing, she has always been drawn to vintage designs from the 1920s, 1970s and the Victorian era.
“My clothing and accessories are inspired by that feeling,” she said. “I am drawn to feminine details.”
To kick off her new space, Morris will host a fashion show with two seatings (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.) Saturday, March 24, at Cottage Designs.
“I’ve been coordinating fashion shows for more than 20 years, and that’s actually how I came to be at Cottage Designs,” she said, adding she has coordinated several shows for the store including a Macy’s show. “With the new space open, and spring just around the corner, the timing seems perfect [for a fashion show].”
When it comes to fashion, Morris said it runs deeper than just putting on clothes.
“I believe that what you wear can change your life,” she said, adding the phrase is her business mission statement. “My initial business concept was to consult with women about their fashion problems and to sell a small selection of accessories, [a service I still offer] at the Changing Room.”
When it comes to fashion problems, it boils down to the clothes and how they make people feel.
“I love getting dressed, and I believe that my space will inspire others to feel that way, too,” Morris said.
The Changing Room is open from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday with extended summer hours that will mirror the hours of Olive’s Eatery at Cottage Designs. The Changing Room is located within Cottage Designs at 25 Syracuse St., Baldwinsville. To reserve seating for the March 24 fashion show, email Morris at [email protected] or call 638-1955.
