Kimera — Local services in New York

My Style Savior! I needed a dress for a gala for the same night. I know. I put myself in an impossibly difficult situation. I had been shopping in Brooklyn from 10 am, and needed to have a dress, shoes and accessories by 3 pm.

I entered Kimera at 2:00 pm, hungry, anxious, and on the verge of hopelessness. I dumped out all of my desperation onto designer/owner Yvonne Chu who happened to be in the store. After listening, then asking a few additional questions about my size, she set me up in a dressing room and went about collecting several dresses.

Yvonne would give me feedback when I was trying on the dresses. Having a designer guide me---Priceless. The third selection, a pale silver-blue version of the "Audrey", was the dress. I felt so precious. With the addition of a black and gray Shangtung Obi sash, and a suggested black chiffon shawl, I was set and not over budget. I paid and was out of the store by 3:00.

What I loved most about my experience at Kimera, besides stepping into a beautifully decorated gentlewoman's dressing room, was Yvonne's attention. She listened to my needs. She saw me. And, combining this information with her knowledge, sense of style, experience and a treasure trove of beautiful clothing, she conjured up my perfect dress.

OMG! I am still so...

I am a seamsress on Maui, Hawaii specializing in alterations. My client, Lucia, came to me to have some alterations done on her wedding gown that you made for her. She was happy with it but like all other brides, there were a few fitting nips and tucks that she wanted done to make it her perfect wedding dress for her special day!

Speaking as a seamstress, I would like to give your construction workmanship a five star rating! Everything was neatly trimmed, curved, notched, topstitched, hook and eye handwork was beautiful, and the entire dress was pressed just right. I would also commend on your skills of being able to sew a dress that fit Lucia so well without any fittings and by just measurements and long distance communication.

I had to lower the neckline at center front about one forth of an inch and taper it into the neckline shoulder seam. (This was the Bride's preference, nothing that you could have foreseen.) There was ample and an even amount of seam allowance to enable me to handle, manipulate, and reconstruct the neckline with minimal difficulties. I then took a few fitting darts in the bust/armhole area and took in a bit at the side seam to emphasize her waist. (Also the Bride's preference.)

Luxurious silk, beautifully sewn, classic...

I bought my wedding dress here. We loved the place so much, we also got dresses for the maid of honor and the matron of honor and a tie for the groom, all in one fell swoop. (All were specially sewn for us.) Yvonne, the owner, is AWESOME. She and her seamstresses are very skilled and professional. Her store is eye candy and she has dresses for many different tastes and styles, especially if you like Japanese- and Asian-inspired designs. The prices are very good, too. The only problems were: (1) Too many great choices! It was hard deciding between the styles. In the end I went for a dress that came with a little jacket, in the hope that would be the warmest for my cold-weather wedding. (2) Although the textures of her fabrics more than made up for it, I almost regretted that my dress had to be white because she has so many fun colors and color combinations in there. Hoping to come back for another occasion and buy a...