Dress by Design – Designed by you, sewn by them!
Dress by Design is an exciting local dress company that allows the customer to be the dress designer.
The company, which is family owned and operated, began in 2005 as an Internet based company, www.dressbydesign.com, and recently opened its first storefront at 43 Allen Street. The founders of the company wanted Dress by Design to be the answer to so many women’s problem: dresses too short… arms too bare… where are the dresses I can wear? Dress by Design’s team includes three generations of women who see the need for an alternative to department stores and typical online shopping which are often tied to current style fads and younger shoppers that are not always appropriate for all body types and ages.
“As a middle-aged woman, I feel there are components that I used to look for in a store-bought dress that I could not find” said Kathleen Vacanti, co-founder of Dress by Design. “So many dresses are sleeveless, yet so many women over 40 are not comfortable wearing sleeveless dresses.” Dress by Design believes that women are looking for a shopping experience that is unique, where customer satisfaction is valued, and the product is of the highest quality. They are looking for a custom fit and input on the design.
Dress by Design’s simple, interactive, and fun process using the Internet enables a woman to create the perfect dress that fits her sense of style, her body, and her lifestyle. Her choices include a number of classic styles, necklines, sleeve types, hem lengths, and hundred of fabrics. The finished dress is sewn by an expert seamstress right here in Buffalo on Allen Street and is ready to be picked up or shipped to the customer in less than 3 weeks. The average dress runs $200 with prices starting at $159.
Dress by Design opened on Allen in November where it is currently sewing the dresses ordered online. You may visit the shop by appointment. For an appointment, please call 206-8973 or email service@dressbydesign.com. Starting in June, walk-ins are welcome Thursdays 5-9pm and Saturdays 9-1pm.
Bottom Photo: Dress by Design's Manager of Operations, Marikate Moore, in her sleeveless, polka-dot Marikate style. Fans of TLC's What Not To Wear will appreciate Clinton Kelly's endorsement: "Your dress is totally cute."
Dress by Design is located at 43 Allen Street (near Rick Cycle). Phone is 716-206-8973
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Gioia
I think it's an awesome idea in theory, but I would love to see more examples of their dresses because the fabrics in several of the photos look really outdated. Hey, maybe that's what the person wanted, but it doesn't get a fashionista like me really excited! I do, however, adore Clinton Kelly...so that's a plus!
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jen
I agree, more up-to-date patterns please, otherwise it's a very cool concept.
And Clinton Kelly is adorable.
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thejennyshop
Hi Ladies, Dress by Design has over 300 fabric choices for you to choose from. Check out its website www.dressbydesign.com for a wide range of choices. You also have the option to supply your own fabric as well! They are a wonderful company to work with.
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comptart_lws
where could a gal go to get really great cotton, linen or rayon fabric, I wonder?
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Gioia
I looked at the web site and still think the fabrics look outdated. Too many small florals, pastels and plaid for my taste. Perhaps they should highlight that they offer the option of providing your own fabric because many people are choosy about the type of material, in addition to what it looks like. That is a great feature, which might make it worth it...
Again, I think it's a very cool idea. I just know they would have more luck attracting young, fashion-forward clientèle if they explored different fabric options (material and pattern). I am all for having something custom made. That is awesome. But, for that price, you also want to make sure you're getting high quality fabric. Otherwise, you might as well just get a dress you love tailored to your body somewhere else.
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