It is our pleasure to provide the women of the Miami Valley and surrounding areas the style and quality they have been searching for in bridal and formal attire. It is a well known fact that finding that ideal gown has typically called for a trip to Chicago or New York. Our design studio situated in historic Miamisburg is an easy drive from Dayton, Cincinnati, Columbus, or Indianapolis.
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Most of you have never had a garment designed and made for you. Let me explain the process. Whether you work with me here in my design studio or long distance via email, you will be in the driver's seat. From design details to scheduling your fittings and delivery. I will take the descriptions and photos of features you want for your design.
View a few of the unique couture gowns designed for my clients. Each one was crafted from their dreams and imagination to be THE perfect gown for their wedding day. We hope you will be inspired to let us create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. When sentimentality for mom's or grandmother's dress drives you, but the style is ALL WRONG.
We will not quote alteration prices over the phone or by email. The only way we will know what it will cost is when we see you in the garment. Until we see what a garment is made of, how it's made, and what you want us to do to it, we can't know the cost. We do understand the desire to price shop, but warn you to be careful!
The cost will depend entirely on your design. The amount of fabric, lace or detail will all influence the price. The design appointment is when we will sketch your design, choose fabrics, and cost out the garment. There is no fee for the design session, so you can explore the possibilities. It is most helpful if you have your garment budget in mind.
Reviews (11)
Aria
Sep 19, 2021
This was back in 2012. I wanted a dress that was unique and had to parts. The white "coat" comes off like a jacket and there is another dress underneath. The design was beautiful and everyone was friendly. I still wear this to the Renaissance Festival on nice days. Wanted something I could wear multiple times. Thank you
Lexi Marquis
Aug 11, 2021
Amelia N.
Oct 26, 2020
Lora has a strong personality, but she did amazing with my wedding dress. She's so expensive, though, so I wouldn't recommend her. We weren't given a price quote up front about how much alterations would be. Had I known, I wouldn't have gone here. Please know now (because we were never told) she does not take cards. check or cash only. We were ready to pay and all we had was card at first. It was frustrating.
Kathleen Palahniuk
Dec 15, 2019
Dana Kelly
Nov 20, 2018
Van Lear was an absolute blessing to find! I was wanting to have my grandma's and mom's dress redone so I could be the 3rd generation in it and she made the dream possible. Laura is extremely talented and passionate about what she does. Not only did she draw out what o wanted on paper within 10 minutes of meeting each other she had the dress done quicker than I expected.
She was easy to work with and has a great personality. She made sure everything was to my standard. So thankful I found her, and if you are wanting a custom dress or alterations, do yourself a favor and go here! They are flexible with schedules and work hard to meet the deadlines.
She was easy to work with and has a great personality. She made sure everything was to my standard. So thankful I found her, and if you are wanting a custom dress or alterations, do yourself a favor and go here! They are flexible with schedules and work hard to meet the deadlines.
Stephanie Larson
Apr 24, 2018
They did the best work on my wedding gown. It fit me like a glove and in the lace bodice you couldn't even tell that the lace was cut! They took it in an inch or so and really I was just so pleased. They're so nice there and absolutely professionals. I'd highly recommend this place for any alterations. Reasonably priced too! Around $200 for the bodice work.
Kaleena Morgan
Mar 01, 2018
Tiffany P.
Sep 21, 2016
Gerri H.
May 21, 2016
It's hard for me to find dresses that fit well, so, for my son's wedding, I decided to splurge and get a custom dress. It was so worth it! Lora was great to work with; she not only made a dress that fit like a glove, she designed it to go with a necklace I wanted to wear. The experience went so well that I also asked her make a dress for my daughter, who lives out of state. Lora went above and beyond, working my daughter's travel schedule to deliver a beautiful dress in time!
Autumn Beebe
Jan 11, 2014
Lora is probably the most amazing seamstress I have ever worked with. My wedding dress was a size 10 designer gown and I wear about a negative 0! It was a $2000 dress, so I was nervous about having it altered. She not only got it to fit like a glove, but you would never even know it was altered. She worked with me around my schedule, and talked with me through every little detail.
She even helped steer me in a better direction than I would have gone with it.and boy am I glad I listened to her. Stunning work Laura! Truly a one of a kind dress. Thank you!
She even helped steer me in a better direction than I would have gone with it.and boy am I glad I listened to her. Stunning work Laura! Truly a one of a kind dress. Thank you!
Linda Moore
Jan 17, 2013
I had a great experience with Lora Van Lear and Van Lear Custom Couture! Lora did an amazing job altering my wedding gown, allowing me to wear the dress of my dreams on my wedding day! She worked with me to ensure the dress fit me perfectly. Part of the alterations required her to do some beading, and it completely matched the original bead work on the gown.
No one could tell that any bead work had been added later. I would recommend her for any of your alteration needs, especially those involving wedding gowns! The cost of the alterations was consistent with what I read online to be the average cost of wedding gown alterations.
No one could tell that any bead work had been added later. I would recommend her for any of your alteration needs, especially those involving wedding gowns! The cost of the alterations was consistent with what I read online to be the average cost of wedding gown alterations.
