New Boutique Offers Fine Clothes From a Familiar Face

Silvana Romano, the owner of a new store in downtown Westwood, may be a familiar face to some fashionable local shoppers. The former proprietor of Saniga is back in town with , which specializes in fine women's clothing and accessories.

Romano, who closed Saniga about nine years ago after she lost her lease, spent the time since then working in fashion in Manhattan as a buyer and consultant for clients on Fifth and Madison Avenue, the latter of which served as inspiration for the name and style of her new store.

Still, Romano said the close community and support from groups like the Chamber of Commerce make Westwood an attractive location to own a business.

"I love Westwood and I wanted to come back," Romano said.

Madison features select items from a variety of American and European designers, including Habitual jeans, Dina Bar-El dresses and Gillian Julius jewelry from Los Angeles, Javier Simorra from Barcelona and Maison Scotch from Amsterdam, among others. Romano said she strives to carry clothes that cannot be found elsewhere in the area.

"It's totally different from everyplace else," Romano said. "I'd like to bring a whole new look to Westwood."

Romano prides herself on her ability to get to know her clients, their lifestyles and the way they want to dress.

"I'm here to help them dress and feel good about themselves," she said.

The store itself is reminiscent of SoHo, with black and white walls accented by raw brick and hardwood floors. The boutique also sports a pair of fire places left by a previous business.

Madison Boutique 224, located at 224 Fairview Avenue, opened April 9 and will hold a grand opening event May 9. There will be cocktails and hors d'oeurves from 5 to 8 p.m. with a ribbon cutting at 6:30. Anyone who spends $100 or more that day will be entered to win a $250 shopping spree and a private styling session. Also, a portion of the store's May sales will be donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society for MS awareness.