CUSTOM DRESSMAKER
Tired of rushing out to find a dress during lunch breaks? Personal shoppers may ease the burden of having to shuffle through racks, but at Bergdorf Goodman, a bride-to-be can hire custom dressmaker Kim Hicks to frock her entire party. The designer, who styled Mr. Bergdorf’s granddaughter’s wedding ten years ago, looks to the styles of old-Hollywood starlets and haute masters Yves Saint Laurent and Valentino for inspiration in creating her original designs. It is perhaps her reverence for the classics that makes her a popular choice for dressing brides’ mothers and mother-in-laws, though she’s also outfitted entire weddings including bridesmaids and flower girls. Bridal gowns range from $10,000 to $25,000; mother and mother-in-law from $7,500 to $15,000; and bridesmaid couture from $3,000 to $9,000. The pricing includes initial meetings, measurements, muslin pattern, and all necessary fittings.
Bergdorf Goodman, 4th floor Couture Salon; 754 Fifth Ave., nr 57th St.; 212-753-7300. By appointment only.
PERSONAL SHOPPER
Julie Sabatino, who graduated from New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology, worked for bridal gown designer Amsale before starting her wedding-gown-personal-shopping company, The Stylish Bride. “I tried 150 gowns in four months before I got married. It was a complete nightmare because I had no guidance.” For $200 an hour, she’ll streamline your search depending on specific needs and price-point, and eliminate unnecessary trips to hectic bridal salons. She accompanies clients on three shopping appointments before they find their dress (on average), and she can also do short-notice—she helped one bride find a dress in less than a month. More than 100 brides have breezed through Carolina Herrera and Bergdorf Goodman with Sabatino at their side. Also, for out-of-town clients, she provides “The New York Experience,” a shopping itinerary that includes a chauffeur and lunch. “It’s a full weekend of bridal fun,” she says.
The Stylish Bride; 212-579-7169; thestylishbride.com