The Salon

Half of the shop has been given over to the Salon.  In some dressmakers this would be a dingy, cramped back room or even the family parlour.  Here, Ellen has decided to keep it visible, attractive, warm and welcoming.  This is where ladies may try hats, gloves, jewellery and such like. There is a door leading to a small but luxurious fitting room where they can have more personal fittings for their ordered garments.  


Nothing is made on the premises.  Ellen has found several local seamstresses, tailors, milliners and shoemakers who make to order for her.  Her customers don't have to go hither and yon for everything they need for a weekend, a holiday or the season.  They choose their designs and fabrics in a comfortable salon, place their orders, come back for one or two fittings (if needed) and have their items delivered, all from the same place. 

Ellen still has a handful of customers who prefer that she comes to them or who like to make an appointment and see her upstairs in private to discuss their requirements.  Ellen has no wish to own a fashion house which tend to work in this way and she is keen to move towards the more modern notion of a department store.

It is Wednesday 11th October 1911, 6 pm.  The salon is a little untidy as Mrs Singer has had her final fitting for a dress that she would like delivered tomorrow so it can be packed for her coming weekend in the country.  She has tried the shoes, the hat, and inspected the parasol that will accompany her new dress.  She has also been looking for a green handbag.  As always Mrs Singer has left her coat and gloves and her hat in the fitting room; just getting her back into those takes forever.