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- Hours:
Wed-Sat 12 pm - 8 pm
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- Price Range:
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$$$
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20 reviews for Atelier Des Modistes
Review Highlights
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"Plus, working with Suzanne is so much fun." In 15 reviews -
"...Sue built a perfect custom wedding dress for me from the..." In 5 reviews -
"...was silk, silk, silk, and Sue searched SF high and low to..." In 4 reviews
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20 reviews in English
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Review from Heidi S.
Redondo Beach, CA
1/22/2012
I couldn't have asked for a better experience than the one I had with Suzanne at Atelier Des Modistes. I was 3 months pregnant when I went wedding dress shopping and 5 months pregnant when I got married, and Suzanne was the only dress designer that truly knew how to handle the situation. Other designers claimed it was no big deal and that I could pick any dress I wanted, but Suzanne knew a strapless dress wouldn't be comfortable at 5 months pregnant. She put me in the most beautiful gown, and you can't even tell I'm pregnant in my wedding pictures.
It is obvious that Suzanne is uniquely gifted when it comes to wedding dresses, and she makes shopping for a wedding dress personal and fun. All of her dresses are unique and the highest quality you can get. Absolutely perfect!! -
Review from Susan J.
San Francisco, CA
8/31/2011
Is there an option for 10 stars?
Over the course of five months, Sue built a perfect custom wedding dress for me from the ground up. She found the ideal combination of organza to layer below lace she was using; she dyed the straps and waistband to get them just the right shade; she finished the edges of the organza with beautiful trim, and so on.
The thing I enjoyed the most about working with Sue is that when you show up for a fitting, you get to discuss the next part of the dress together in detail and then play with different combinations to get it exactly right. She doesn't settle for less than perfect, which is exactly what you want for your wedding dress. Plus, she is down to earth and charming.
Last plug - don't be limited to what you see on her floor. My dress looked nothing like any of the dresses in her shop. I think if you go this route, it's helpful to shop in a handful of traditional wedding dress shops and then discuss with Sue what you have liked and not liked and the look you are trying to achieve.
Of course this level of workmanship and attention does not come cheap but if you have a comfortable mid-high budget, come here. Otherwise you are stuck with the existing dress selection, which can start to all look the same and you will be at the mercy of the alterations departments at Marina Morrison, Bridal Galleria or wherever, which can be spotty.
I heart you Suzanne and will come by the shop to say hi soon!Listed in: Wedding stuff in SF and around…
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Review from Firoozeh B.
Redwood City, CA
2/6/2012 1 photo
Where do I begin? I got my wedding dress here and Sue was incredible! I remember walking by and seeing the pretty dresses in the window and knowing I had to get my dress there. I am quite busty with a smaller waist and for the life of me knew I needed a custom dress and boy did Su emake me happy!
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Review from Nicole G.
San Francisco, CA
4/5/2008
Preface: I'm not getting married.
I've peered into the Atelier Des Modistes boutique on Hyde Street more times than I care to admit because of the gorgeous dresses in the window. My best friend is tying the knot, so I finally got the chance to step in today. It turns out each piece is unique, and incorporate vintage lace and ribbon from France.
Suzanne is exactly the type of person you'd want to work with to design your wedding dress -- she's sweet, warm, funny and, most importantly, talented! Within two hours, she and D had come up with two distinct looks that were fit for the runway. Ooh la la.
Future brides, throw off the shackles of the wedding industry. Start a couture rebellion! -
Review from Anna S.
San Francisco, CA
2/5/2009
I live around the corner from Atelier Des Modistes, so I'd often peered in the window at the lovely gowns and fantasized about one day having a reason to go in. Naturally it was one of the first bridal salons I visited after getting engaged - and let me tell you, it exceeded my expectations.
My high school french deserted me long long ago, so Suzanne had to explain that "atelier" means workshop. And a workshop it is, wherein Suzanne creates your very own custom-made gown with imported fabrics and her superb eye for detail. I stood in a strapless head-to-toe lace affair while she pulled it tight here and let it out there, added a ribbon and voila! Even the sample made me feel like a superstar. As if on cue, a group of onlookers suddenly appeared in the window and started cheering and photographing me with their cell phones (you can't make this stuff up).
Sadly (soooooo sadly), as I became better-acquainted with our wedding budget I realized an Atelier dress was not in the cards for me. The prices were beyond reasonable, but I found myself looking for something at around the $1000 range (told you it was low-budg). Were I more financially well-equipped, this would have been my choice. So much more personal and special than any of the other high-end salons I visited in town, Atelier made me feel for the first time what it would be like to be a bride. -
Review from julia p.
San Francisco, CA
7/5/2009
I am the luckiest girl in the world because I have a dress from Atelier des Modistes. Okay, actually two dresses (Suzanne also made my sassy Saturday night dress, but that is another story...). One of the best parts of my upcoming (in exactly 7 days) nuptials is having had my dress made by Suzanne Hanley, who is an artist and technician extraordinaire. I first set eyes on Atelier des Modistes from outside the window one night as I was passing innocently by. It was late, and the shop was closed, but I immediately knew it was a gem. I secretly made the dress in the window my phone screen saver before I hurried away, dreaming of the day that I would have a reason to go inside in earnest.
Then the day came. And lo, I remembered. I googled. I read (an article in SF Gate--glee!). I made an appointment forthwith. I was so, so, so, so right.
Suzanne's attention to detail was astonishing--she knew her fabrics (french and italian vintage silks aplenty), she understood structure (her engineering background shone through), and her experience was vast (her grandmother taught her to sew as a tot). She didn't rush--I tried on everything in sight. Her designs were original, beautiful, classic, and of the highest imaginable quality.
I was not a bride on a small budget, but I did have a budget, and Suzanne respected it from day one. We discussed every detail, built my dress from muslin to resplendent italian shantung beauty, and added vintage lace harvested from 1920s French silk...all within my budget and actually for less money than it would have cost to buy off the rack. How about THAT? Not to mention, every fitting was included. And I came every month to parade around the Atelier with my dress in various stages of development. Every month. And I enjoyed every second of it.
I brought my mother (thrice) and my MOG (Mother of Groom) and both were drawn completely in by the palpable magic of my incomparable dress and Suzanne's creative mastery. I did once, in the beginning of the "process" check out Marina Morrison (Suzanne advised me to visit other shops). The dresses there were nice, of course, but could not hold a candle to the fairytale beauty and simple, elegant, graceful magic of Suzanne's atelier.
I am going to wear my dress but once, but every moment will be golden, silken, magical, amazing because I am a GODDESS in my incredible dress and thank you thank you THANK YOU Suzanne. The old adage is true. Take care to get what you like or else you will have to like what you get. I LOVE my dress. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE. -
Review from Tanya P.
12/15/2005
The store windows are magical.
Ladies. You feel like fairy princess in dress up clothes. The tiny little space is lovely in itself...as if you are stepping into another country or another time. Suzanne creates couture bridal and evening dresses with amazing detail, materials and texture. Vintage trim add multiple angles of beauty to the pieces. And the assortment of ready-to-wear fashion, striking yet understated jewelry and accessories make for memorable gifts and unusual additions to your wardrobe.
Gentlemen - a number of striking accessories are available to you as well.
Her work has been featured in high-profile editorials and even exhibited at the SFMOMA. I used to walk by just to see people's dresses being fit... -
Review from Emily C.
San Francisco, CA
8/3/2010
After searching several stores for a wedding dress, a friend of mine suggested that I meet with Suzanne Hanley of Atelier Des Modistes to talk about having a dress made. That turned out to be the single best piece of wedding advice I received!
From the moment I met Suzanne I instantly had complete confidence in her. I brought her a few pictures of styles I liked and she immediately had great ideas. I knew that I wanted to wear a short dress, which she was so excited about. Suzanne's taste is impeccable, her attention to detail is amazing, and her construction skills are flawless. Plus, working with Suzanne is so much fun! I loved going to her beautiful studio for fittings and being part of the process of creating my wedding dress.
I can't recommend Atelier Des Modistes highly enough. I ended up with a wedding dress that was not only stunning and perfectly constructed, but that also completely suited my personality. Suzanne is a warm and wonderful person with unbelievable skills. If you're in the market for a wedding dress, stop by her shop or give her a call--you be so glad you did! -
Review from Charlotte A.
San Francisco, CA
6/20/2011
Sue is the best. Seriously, the best. She is so kind and generous - not to mention, hugely talented.
I adored my wedding dress. I bought a sample from her and she completely tailored the dress to my body. It looked fantastic the day of. She had clearly spent a lot of time making it perfect and it showed.
Her designs are far superior to those off the rack. You can literally feel the energy that she puts into the dresses in her store - that's something you won't find at Marina Morrison, trust me.
It's weird to say this because wedding dresses are a really big deal, but even more than the dress.... I loved Sue. I had to go dress shopping on my own bc my mom and I couldn't find a dress together the one weekend she was in SF (we looked at many stores). Sue kind of helped me out through the whole dress experience - she helped me like a mother would- from the veil to the shoes to the jewelry. It felt really great to know that she cared.
One more thing: AWESOME jewelry at Atelier des Modistes as well - things that really compliment her designs.
Go meet her. You'll be happy you did. -
Review from Jammy M.
San Francisco, CA
1/8/2011
As others have said, this is a special place.
I, unfortunately, did not have the budget to have a custom gown made by Suzanne... but I did get the next best thing. I bought a sample! I was going for a very non-traditional look, and Suzanne helped me pick out a luxurious butter-yellow bustier top (which I later paired with a latte tulle skirt). She also recommended an excellent and affordable tailoress (Jin Di!) If you are on a tight budget - don't despair! Check out the sample sale!
It is a joy to support an incredible artisan like Suzanne!
ALSO - the jewelry here is INCREDIBLE and she has great sales on these pieces too. -
Review from Kim D.
San Francisco, CA
6/17/2011
Suzanne is amazing! I loved everything about her, her store, and the veil that I ended up with for my wedding. The service is personal & Suzanne has beautiful pieces that are reasonably priced!!! You will not be disappointed. This place is a must if you are getting married.
She also carries some fantastic jewelry made locally. Check it out! I bought some white sapphire earrings that are fantastic.Listed in: Wedding Vendors
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Review from olivia b.
San Francisco, CA
1/21/2007
Suzanne Hanley's creations are magical and creative, and they will make any bride feel like a fairytale princess, even the die-hard feminists, which I am. I didn't want traditional white, and Suzanne was cool with that--thrilled even! I wanted to go with 2 of my favorite colors, orange and purple, and Sue talked me into a super-subtle lilac and soft bronzy combination. She worked painstakingly by hand on the beading, created a lovely little jacket with a mandarin collar, and even a sweet wristlet purse, all with amazing beaded details. The whole ensemble was silk, silk, silk, and Sue searched SF high and low to find the perfect colors and textures. She also created silk rosebuds out of the dress material and sewed them to hairpins for my up-do. The veil comb was vintage--simply stunning.
Lucky me, she also designed and sewed my husband's wedding suit, and we felt extra special because at the time Sue wasn't making many men's pieces. It's one of a kind, super shimmery and kind of "fabulon."
I'm lucky to also own several non-bridal pieces created by Sue, which are absolutely timeless. I can't wait to see what's next, and I recommend Atelier des Modistes and Suzanne Hanley to every bride who wants a keepsake gown that's unique and reasonably priced (for a one-of-a-kind gown--no Filene's Bargain Basement here, people!). -
Review from jennifer w.
Santa Rosa, CA
6/22/2011
Sue created the most beautiful dress for my daughter. Our breath was taken away when she entered the church. Every detail was perfection. Sue really listened and created exactly what my daughter had dreamt of.
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Review from nicole l.
Portland, OR
12/18/2007
I seriously considered having a dress made here. Suzanne uses real gemstones in her beading, and she seems to really understand a woman's body and how to play up assetts and minimize flaws. I was considering a sample that was still in pieces, but she was happy to show it to me and talk about her vision for the gown and how she would customize it to fit with my figure, budget, and venue. In the end, I found a dress at Glamour Closet, but I'd recommend this salon to any brides looking for something unique. Also really incredible jewelry here!
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Review from Jean C.
Los Gatos, CA
9/15/2006
I got my wedding dress made here. Suzanne uses really high quality fabric that's really gorgeous. She does beautiful work but it's best to stick with a dress based on a design she already has. I had a custom dress made and during the last fitting, I lifted my arms up and my strapless dress fell completely down around my waist. Eek! She spent a lot of time fixing it and overall, I was happy with the dress but it did have some unplanned detailing which I didn't love because of the whole staying up thing (details, details).
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Review from Kyra S.
San Francisco, CA
11/18/2008
Suzanne Hanley and her sweet, helpful and talented staff made the most beautiful dress I have ever seen in my life. If you are a bride to be that feels dismayed and discouraged by the typical bridal scene, this is the place for you.
From the moment I met Sue in her pig tails and cowboy boots, I knew I had found someone special. I had eight or ten fittings, and I enjoyed and looked forward to each and every one. Suzanne's attention to detail and exacting standards are unsurpassed. This is a true couture experience. She will design a dress for you (or with you), or you can choose from one of the breathtakingly beautiful and original pieces that adorn the walls of her charming little shop.
Suzanne uses the highest quality materials, including real gemstones for beading and antique lace from France. My dress was made of duchess satin, imported from Italy. While this is a fairly common bridal gown material, the particular fabric that Suzanne used was unlike anything I had seen before - absolutely incandescent.
Over the course of our collaboration (she and her staff did all the hard work; I just sung out my praises at every step of the way), I came to adore Suzanne not only as an artisan, but as a person as well. The version of customer service that she offers feels more like genuine friendship.
In addition to my beautiful dress, I bought a simple elegant veil that was the perfect subtle frame to the gown. And a perfect, vintage-looking necklace handmade by a local jewelry maker.
I cannot recommend Atelier des Modistes highly enough. There is simply no other place you should buy a wedding dress. -
Review from Molly c.
1/9/2010
when i die, i want to come back in one of my many incarnations as this store.
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Review from cw r.
San Francisco, CA
6/5/2011
Suzanne is a phenomenal dressmaker and a pleasure to work with. Over the nine months it took to make my dress, I looked forward to every fitting. I had shopped conventionally for dresses in San Francisco and because of my hourglass figure, had been quoted prices for dresses in the thousands of dollars PLUS thousands of dollars of alterations. I was just so frustrated. Then I saw a dress credited to Suzanne in a bridal magazine photo spread and remembered passing her beautiful shop on Hyde Street. I was able to bring her about a dozen photos of dresses that I liked and pick out different details of each that I wanted to include in my dress. We talked a lot about the "feel" and the "look" I wanted, as well as features of my body I wanted to accentuate and concrete aspects of the dress. She also used some elements that I had from my grandmother's veil from her wedding in 1928 to make a custom headpiece for me. In the end, it was exactly what I wanted, which is what a custom dress is supposed to be. I wish I could wear it every day.
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Review from Megan R.
San Francisco, CA
8/14/2008
What can I say? Suzanne is amazing! Not only is the dress PERFECT but the experience was far, far beyond what I asked for or expected. This was hands down my favorite part of wedding planning, and I absolutely adore Suzanne and her beautiful boutique! I was treated with respect and care, as every bride wishes to be treated, and felt like I really was part of the whole process. The fabrics selected were of the highest quality, the design process was simple and easy, yet creative, detailed and clearly the work of a professional. You can bring ideas of what you like from other dresses, and she can help you combine them into your own ideal creation. I came in having no idea what I wanted, and walked out with a couture gown that is unique, meticulously tailored, individually designed, beautiful and perfectly fit for me! Thank you Suzanne!
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Review from Elizabeth P.
Glen Ellen, CA
6/20/2007
I would never have thought I'd be a bride who "had a dress made." But as I shopped for a gown for my wedding, both non-bridal gowns (at Neiman's and Saks etc.) and traditional gowns in traditional salons. . . yikes! I was both overwhelmed and frustrated, the cost, poor quality, too . . . you know, "not me." After my consultation with Suzanne Hanley, the magician who owns the gorgeous studio called Atelier des Modistes, I was no longer worried. Yes, the gown was perfect, extraordinary, and utterly delicious to wear. Yes, Suzanne is unbelievably talented and meticulous and a DELIGHT to work with. (She makes every client feel special; indeed, every client IS special to her.) Yes, you will end up with a unique and stunning dress that you get to participate in through the process. (Don't worry, Suzanne makes sure that every bump or fold of skin you don't want attention on, is perfectly enveloped in those luscious European silks!) But the biggest bonus for me in having a dress made by Suzanne, was that as I looked forward to each dress fitting, I got to enjoy my engagement more and become more excited for the Big Day. It not only made my wedding more fun (to know I had the "perfect" dress,) but it made my yearlong engagement more joyful too. What a gift.
