Fashion icon Michael Kors visits Sayville businesses after devastating fire

Fashion designer and Long Island native Michael Kors made a heartfelt visit to downtown Sayville on Saturday to support local business owners affected by Friday’s devastating fire that ravaged several Main Street establishments.

Kors, visibly moved while standing in front of the destroyed Paper Doll Vintage Boutique, expressed particular concern for the unique vintage store and its owner, Dominique Maciejka.

“I’ve been a vintage lover my whole life, and there are not a lot of remarkable vintage stores in the whole country. And this a place that we always find these very special finds. And to see such a dream and such a special place destroyed is just heartbreaking,” Kors told News 12.

The renowned designer was seen embracing Maciejka, offering comfort following the devastating loss of her business. Paper Doll Vintage Boutique was among several businesses severely impacted by the Friday afternoon blaze, which began about 5:40 p.m. in a vacant storefront formerly occupied by Café Joelle.

“Michael Kors came by and cried with me … He said he loved the store and I looked into his eyes and he ‘saw, me, and he saw and knows the love I put in,” Maciejka said. “He’s been shopping and supporting for years … He may be a big deal, but he’s a person that just saw my heart and my dream.”

A GoFundMe page has been established — already raising more than $24,000 — to help Maciejka rebuild her business.

“We are determined to rebuild our store but need our community’s help now more than ever,” reads the GoFundMe page.

The fire, which took firefighters about two hours to contain, affected multiple businesses along Main Street, including The Crushed Olive, Boris’ Barber Shop, Sayville Running Company, and Hammer and Stain. The former Café Joelle location at 25 Main Street had been under renovation after the restaurant relocated to a larger space in Sayville over the summer.

No injuries were reported in the incident, which remains under investigation. The Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce has established the Sayville Main Street Fire Relief Fund to assist affected businesses.

Community members can contribute either online or by mailing checks to:

Greater Sayville Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 235
Sayville, NY 11782

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_{Top photo: Facebook/Dominique Maciejka}