Custom-made dresses on a student's budget

Desperate to find a dress that fits for a black-tie event, prom or wedding? Worried about someone turning up in the same dress as you? Here are four places to check out for a custom-made dress that won’t break the bank! These dressmakers may not be fairy godmothers but they’ll have you feeling like a princess!

Jenny & Me Dressmaking

Don’t let its nondescript exterior fool you – this shop offers everything from alterations to custom-made suits and bespoke tailoring. With unique designs and colours, Jenny & Me Dressmaking could hardly find a better shop location than the vibrant Holland Village. Jenny’s well-honed skills and needle-sharp eye for design stem from over three decades of experience. Despite have worked in this industry for much of her life, Jenny remains dedicated to finding the best fit for her customers and committed to giving clients the best tailoring experience ever. Her craftsmanship and attention to detail have earned her a loyal clientele that you won’t regret joining.

211 Holland Avenue
#03-45
Holland Road Shopping Centre
278967
Contact: 9238 8870

Jess Boutique & Ladies Dressmaking

An underrated seamstress tucked quietly away in Jelita, Jess has over 40 years of experience under her belt that she’s not content to spend on just hemming and mending. Patterns, textures, tricky silhouettes… this is the place to go for a custom dream dress. Whether you have a design in mind or not, with Jess’ expertise and advice, you’ll leave with something more beautiful than you expected. Jess’ shop sits right next to a dry cleaner too, so you know where to go to get your garment cleaned!

293 Holland Rd
#02-15
Jelita
Singapore 278628
Contact: 6469 0811

Golden Scissors Cheongsam

Golden Scissors Cheongsam sells cheongsams exclusively and has stood the test of time for four decades and counting. From tulip skirts and A-lines to traditional form-fitting silhouettes, this shop stocks cheongsams in every style and colour for both adults and children. However, if you can’t find something that strikes your fancy, the team of tailors can stitch one just for you! The process is fuss free – pick a print, get it made-to-measure, then return in a week for collection.

Despite their traditional offerings and traditional location, Golden Scissors Cheongsam also offers designs that incorporate batik dying, Japanese cotton, and creative modern patterns like plaid.

Block 32 New Market Road
#02-1114/1116
People’s Park Plaza
Singapore 050032
Contact: 8163 0178

Love Potion

Opened in 2005, this relative newbie may not have decades of experience behind them but their garments are no less beautiful. Love Potion specialises in rental and made-to-measure evening gowns, ROM gowns, wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Don’t feel like picking something off the rack but haven’t sketched out a design or constructed a mood board of beautiful gowns? Fret not! Leave your dress in the hands of their talented in-house designers and you’ll leave feeling like a million bucks.