The Little Black Book of seamsters and tailors in Montreal, as recommended by the city's style set
Here’s where the in-the-know go for alterations and custom tailoring
If you love vintage or second-hand shopping, or find that off-the-rack clothes don't always fit the way that you want, having a great tailor or seamster (the gender neutral term for seamstress) — that you can trust and can rely on — is essential. Beyond the basic hemming or alterations that might be complimentary at better clothing stores, an alterationist can tweak garments to flatter your exact proportions, mend small tears, repair or replace damaged trim and hardware, and more.
Whether you're looking to have a dream dress made-to-order for a special event, or are looking for an expert who can update your grandfather's vintage coat for this winter, an experienced tailor or seamster can be a money- and time-saving resource — who can walk you through the cost, logistics and possibilities ahead of time. And, it's a service that is often not as expensive as you might think; tapering in a pair of pants or shortening the body of a t-shirt would transform the garment dramatically, but they're also relatively simple alterations that might cost less than $20, depending on the item's particular finish and material.
To find a reliable alterations shop in Montreal, we reached out to style experts and fashion pros to find out where they take their clothes. Here are the spots to bookmark, stat.
HPadar, 1121 Saint-Catherine St W, 2nd Fl
Recommended by: Michèle Mayrand, style director and Claude Laframboise, style expert
The review: "[Hossein Padar] can do amazing things," says Mayrand, "like updating vintage high end pieces (like an old Chanel suit), downsizing blazers, making alterations on ball gowns. I remember he used to retouch very expensive clothes and ball gowns for Ogilvy."
"I have been going to this tailor since the late '80s. Many upscale stores use him too," says Laframboise. "It is conveniently located downtown, and in addition to making basic alterations, the tailors follow trends and will adjust jackets so that they are especially fitted across the chest or will narrow a sleeve, for example. Prices are fair and delays reasonable (which can sometimes be an issue with alterations)."
The insider tip: "Try to get Pajar, to take your alterations, since there are multiple tailors on-site," advises Laframboise. "He specializes in sur mesure [made to measure] suits for men," notes Mayrand. The shop offers bespoke tailoring as well as standard and specialized alterations.
Mila Design, 5474 Queen Mary Rd
Recommended by: Cary Tauben, fashion stylist
The review: "What I love about Mila's is how convenient and easy it is. Quick and fast on every level. The prices are reasonable and the work is on point! They specialize in pretty much everything from evening dresses to casual wear. Years ago, I had a problem with a garment I borrowed for a shoot that was very expensive and my mother was the one who said we have to take it to Mila's! They fixed it of course and from that point I always went there."
The insider tip: Besides alterations, this shop also offers custom-made wedding dresses.
Tailleur Bijan, 2121 Crescent St
Recommended by: Michèle Champagne, art director
The review: "I like the service. The most senior tailor is a good listener. The space is humble but there is a sofa and change rooms where you can make yourself at home — that is the space where the pinning happens. The price point is low, but when you're fixing cherished garments you're not so inclined to scrimp so this isn't the main pull. The location is excellent, close to Peel station and not far from Concordia University and Canadian Centre for Architecture."
The insider tip: There's a form on the Tailleur Bijan website if you want to request a quote before visiting the shop.
Atelier Couture D, 4812 St Laurent Blvd
Recommended by: Steven Turpin, hairstylist and makeup artist
The review: "Atelier Couture D has done amazing alterations for me of high-end garments."
The insider tip: According to the atelier's website, evening dresses are their specialty. Prices start at $15 for pants-hemming or taking in a shirt, and you can pay a little more for their express service.
Xavier Laruelle, email laruelle-@hotmail.fr
Recommended by: Ruby Brown, perfumer
The review: "Xavier Laruelle is my top [pick]. He does mainly made-to-measure and created the most beautiful gown for me for an event a few weeks ago. His specialty is cocktail dresses and gowns. He does not offer alterations but offers original and local creations."
The insider tip: Celebrities and actors Maripier Morin, Sophie Desmarais and Karine Vanasse have all worn custom and handmade creations by Laruelle on the red carpet and for special events.
Mike Alterations, 1118 Saint-Catherine St W #200
Recommended by: Felisia Canedo, fashion publicist and writer
The review: "My mother-in-law is an amazing seamstress and she did everything for me when we were living in Toronto; because of that, I have a keen eye for quality work. Mike's shop is located in the heart of downtown Montreal, so, super convenient. He's very knowledgeable, will make suggestions on what he thinks will look good and the quality of work is great."
The insider tip: "He does everything, but I've seen a lot of suiting. I've taken formalwear there, and dresses to get hemmed and taken in." Expect a few days or longer turnaround time, as the shop can be busy.
Truc Nguyen is a Toronto-based writer, editor and stylist. Follow her at @trucnguyen.