Opening Tonight: Atelier 4 Boutique

Where can you find a Vera Wang gown for $80 ... or a $1,500 designer handbag for only $225? How about a Barneys Sample Sale dress originally priced at $535 but now knocked down to $230?

You can find all this and more at Atelier 4, a new boutique opening tonight at 4 South Fullerton Avenue, the space formerly occupied by Go Lightly.

The unusual shop offers one-of-a-kind couture works by local designers as well as vintage couture, accoutrements, and hard-to-find designer pieces.

Tonight's grand opening will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Not only will champagne and cupcakes be served, but all the designers will be on hand.

Montclair Patch stopped by Atelier this week to chat with one of the owners, Robert Greco.

Q) How did you pick this location for Atelier?

A) This is a high profile spot. Already we've had people coming by, literally begging to get in. And we aren't even open. One woman stood outside until I let her in so that she could buy a necklace off the mannequin in the window. We're going to do well here.

Q) What makes Atelier different?

A) It's so eclectic. We don't have two of the same thing. We have a lot of one-of-a-kind pieces. We have the hottest items. And there are things that are $10 and things that are $2,000. We want people to come in and feel comfortable. We don't want people to think this is an overpriced Montclair boutique because it's not. We're different.

Q) What sorts of items do you sell?

A) We have a recycled men's shirt worn by Deborah Harry from [artist] Scooter Laforge. It's priced at $125. We have a fun summer dress for $15. We have a handbag that was priced at $1,500 that has one tiny flaw and so we're offering it for $225. We have jewelry from local designers. We have artwork. Every piece here is a work of art. Someone suggested a catchphrase for us and we love it. She called us a "curated boutique" and that's what we are.

Q) You are a Montclair resident. Where are some of your favorite spots in town for shopping and eating?

A) There are so many. I love both and I live in Upper Montclair so I like I like anything with a visual impact. I'm a fan of.

Q) Why the name Atelier?

A) Atelier is French for "artist's workshop" and that's what we are ... we are a place where individual designers from all over can come together.

In addition to Greco, the other owners of Atelier 4 are Tamra Cotugno and Jayne Rock Gangale. Designers include Erica Resnick, Arlinda McIntosh, and Arinna Hoffman. Atelier 4 will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays and most Sundays. Stop by tonight for the grand opening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.