Duffield Design — Local services in Mississippi Mills

Last week, we brought Mom and Dad to Almonte. We’d just started down Mill Street when a shop window caught Mom’s eye. She ran in, found the outfit she loved, tried it on, and brought it home — glowing. Everything else in town had already closed, but she didn’t mind. She said she was more than content.

Today we returned to the shop for some alterations. The seamer was on vacation — and that’s how we met the designer herself, Megan.

Mom tried on a few more pieces, and fell for another dress. It wasn’t available in her size, and she softly said to herself she wished it were a little longer to cover her knees.

Megan overheard — and offered to custom-make a version just for her.

We were stunned. And touched.

Megan’s studio sits behind her shop. When I said I’d love to photograph her work, she smiled and invited me in. Even let me watch as she cut my mom’s dress.

It felt like a privilege to witness her in her element. I told her I’d heard Almonte was home to the nearly extinct trumpeter swans — and though I didn’t see any on the river, I saw one in her studio.

Where I grew up in China, tailor shops were everywhere. Here in Canada, they’re almost gone. Megan reminded me of both — the old-world artisans, and the rare swan that still glides through the modern world.

Her hair even matched the soft, warm tones of her pattern paper. It was as if her design was simply an extension of her body — she didn’t just make clothes, she became the process.

Thank you, Megan, for treating my mom with such grace. You didn’t just make her day — you made a memory...

Recently had an appointment to shop at Duffield Design Studio in Dunrobin. It was a wonderful experience from start to finish. The hard part was narrowing down all the pieces to decide on my favourites. The fabrics are luxurious and the designs are amazing. The clothing has comfortable and flattering. Thanks for...

I have been wearing Duffield Design clothing for ten years. My first pieces are still go-to's in my wardrobe. The fabrics are beautiful. The styling is practical, while elegant and timeless. The quality is top tier. And I know who made my clothes, ethically in Canada. This is slow fashion/eco fashion...