Holding its bearings in a mid-19th century Paris, the idea of what is Haute Couture has since come a long way from its European roots, transcending across the Atlantic Ocean and making its way into New York boutiques-and now slowly emerging into Chicago’s own fashion scene.

Haute Couture refers to the creation of exclusive, one-of-a-kind custom-fitted fashions. It is this single definition that Tracy Martorello uses to describe her own Roscoe Village boutique, Haute Hideout, 2306 W. Belmont Ave., which opened in early November.

And with fashionable elegance that dots the shelves and racks of Martorello’s store, she has decided to throw in her own philanthropic twist to everything trendy, by turning funky handbags and boldly jeweled necklaces into a charitable cause.

Martorello, a 2003 Columbia alumna, decided to use her love for fashion and degree in retail management to achieve her greatest aspiration-opening her own boutique.

After working in interior decorating post-college, Martorello reached her mid-20s hump and decided it was time for something different.

“I spent much of my 20s working in fashion, but when I reached that 25 mark, I decided I wanted to do something more with my career,” Martorello said. “So I immediately began scouring the city for vacant commercial space to establish myself in.”

About a year later, Martorello set up shop in Roscoe Village, and Haute Hideout was fashioned.

Haute Hideout’s main focus is on bold accessories made from Chicago designers Martorello met over the past few months by attending several trade shows in the area. The handbags, jewelry and other items offered are typically one-of-a-kind and eco-friendly.

“The items that I carry here are more funky pieces and are much more showy than you’d find in others stores,” Martorello said. “You probably wouldn’t wear tons of stuff from my store all together, but you could have a super cool necklace or handbag that not everyone else has.”

One of Martorello’s featured handbag designers, Jenn Barron, is a 2005 Columbia alumna, majoring in fashion design. The handbags, deeply saturated in golden yellows and earthy greens, are sewn together from 100-percent vintage fabric, typically run from $60 to $80, Martorello said.

Aside from handbags, Barron owns her own fashion line called Garden Apartment, which is clothing and handbags filled with bold floral prints and created with an aim to look “fun and whimsical.”

Her items are all one-of-a-kind and made completely by hand-she says her line is a “one woman sweat shop.”

Haute Hideout became a great place to display her work because of its crazy style, which she said she tries to embody through her own designs.

“Chicago is a great place for independent artists because the people here are so supportive of the arts, and you don’t find that in a lot of cities,” Barron said. “A lot of times the smaller designers get lost in the mix because of the bigger names out there. So when people ask me how to get started in the industry, I tell them to come to Chicago.”

Courtney Sharp, 28, visited Haute Hideout at the beginning of November when it first opened its doors to the public and purchased an exclusive handbag from Barron’s line.

“I bought a Garden Apartment clutch from Tracy’s store that I’m just in love with,” Sharp said. “Tracy sells unique items, things that you aren’t going to see in other places.”

Beyond its funky fashions, Haute Hideout is also a locale for weekend events that Martorello hosts that doubly serve as charity events.

Martorello has held sample sales in the past, which offer customers a huge discount on designer merchandise.

Events such as this are great for fashionistas looking for hot designer items at a reasonable price, Martorello said. The designer handbags and accessories are typically offered at 75 percent off the normal price at stores like Neiman Marcus.

On Nov. 21 at 6 p.m., Martorello will host a charity beauty event that will introduce customers to a Chicago-based beauty line as they get eco-friendly makeovers while sipping martinis.

“I’m a pretty heavy shopper myself, and most boutiques that I’ve come across don’t offer this sort of thing,” Martorello said.

Money raised from her martinis and a makeover event will go to nonprofit organizations like AIDS awareness groups and Girls in the Game, a group that provides fitness opportunities and nutrition and health education for younger girls to enhance their overall well-being.

Martorello also donates to the Glass Slipper Project, which offers new prom dresses free of charge to low-income high school students in Chicago.

Martorello is still trying to smooth out the kinks that any new business owner faces, but she said that foot-traffic in her store has exceeded her expectations thus far in first opening weeks.

“When I first opened up my doors, I was beyond thrilled to see people other than my friends come into the boutique,” Martorello said. “I think I was a bit overjoyous when welcoming the new faces.”

Haute Hideout, 2306 W. Belmont Ave., is open every Thursday and Friday. Upcoming events at the boutique include the martini and a makeover night on Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.