I’m Chris Opdenaker. Let me start by saying my love for design, fabric and creating beautiful things started early on, but in my career path I chose to Major in Fashion Illustration and studied at Moore College of Art & Design. My first job was creating a Children’s line of shirts for “The Bernstein Bears”. My Husband and I then started a screen printing and embroidery company and still operate for select customers. A line of shirts we designed were for Civil War reenacting. This line of shirts led us and our two girls into a 10-year span of Re-enacting. In those 10 years I evolved into researching extensively period correct fashion for the reenacting community, lecturing along the East coast during many events on “What to Wear” and “What Not to Wear” in the 1860’s. I was commissioned by several women to construct intricate Ballgowns, everyday wear and underpinnings to produce the perfect period shape. This also spanned into different Era’s from early Regency all the way up to 1960’s Party Dresses. As my daughters grew up re-enacting, they were drawn to theater and started performing. Through their performances I had many occasions to be backstage and learn how a production works. Loving the whole environment, I started to research Costuming and volunteered at Community Theatres and local schools. Because of the Historical Fashions I created I was asked to costume “Pride and Prejudice” at a local High School. Needless to say, I was hooked!

Ever since, I have been learning and training. I trained in alterations, working for a Dry Cleaner on a freelance basis. Many tasks were basic hemming and taking in dresses, but through this work I have a better understanding of fit and how to alter using various methods. In my eyes every body shape deserves a good fit. My passion is to make everyone feel confident in their clothes. This led me to a path of Bridal alterations. Now specializing in Bridal for the past few years I found joy and my passion for making your dream dress fit!