by Rhonda Massad
Karen Alguire has been selling fashion to discerning West Island women for 17 years in her boutique Moda Elle. She has garnered a reputation for having unique and up to date pieces for those who want to keep up with the trends but also holds a place for classic items that appeal to everyone’s need for the basics.
In recent months, Alguire has taken a bold step and as of today will be located a few doors down from her old spot in Pointe Claire Plaza with new modern larger space. To launch her new location fashion icon Simon Chang spent the evening greeting her customers.
“When I met Karen I loved her energy and enthusiasm,” Chang said. “I thought absolutely, it is all about chemistry. We have to connect with positive people. She is an independent store owner, which I support, I think this is how we will survive in the future. Independent people doing their own thing. Today we are in a sea of sameness.”
Chang went on to say that Moda Elle is different because it offers personalized service and attention.
“It is so important to engage our customers and listen to what they want. My customers are her type of client,” Chang suggested. “I dress every age group and every body type. It is my job to create things that fit a real body.”
According to employee Janice, who has been working with Chang for three years, all his designs are produced by hand with pencil and sketch pad.
“He has a set of colored pencils in his office,” she explained, “he is old school and he is amazing.”
Moda Elle will be increasing their brand selection in the new location.
“I am so happy that Simon was here for our opening. He is a fashion Icon after all,” Alguire said with her signature smile.
We love to help people find things that they love,” she explained, “we currently carry 56 brands in store but with the new space we will be adding to that.”
