Mari Ninomiya Bridal Alteration & Fit Specialist
About
Using my expertise in fashion design, pattern making and tailoring, I provide extensive alteration and custom change for bridal and special occasion dresses. My joy is to see my clients smile wide at dress pick up day!
Timing
Standard alteration usually takes three fittings over 6-8 weeks to complete. For intensive alterations with more involved custom design changes, it may take 8-12 weeks. It is ideal to be finished at least two weeks before your wedding day (or departure day for destination wedding). Suggested timings to book appointments are: eight to ten months before for a Summer/Fall wedding; and six months before for a Winter/Spring wedding, to ensure booking with me. Please inquire for rush alterations - these are possible when my schedule permits.
General Price Range Guide
Bridal: average $650 ~ $950 before tax.
Prices noted above are based on previous projects. Pricing starts as low as $150 when only few bustle points are needed and go as high as $1500 or more for custom design and pattern making involved with decorative fabric. Initial estimates will be provided following the first fitting. Cost is decided on type of dress, finishes and how many adjustments are required.
Currently only accepting bridal dresses.
What to Bring
Shoes:
Shoes are must. If you don't have one yet, please bring the same height heels to your fitting.
Shapewear:
If you are considering to wear one, Commando brand classic shorts style is recommended for the best seamless look. Spanx and other heavier shapewears give strong support, but it often show through the bump on surface so it is only for heavy constructed garment.
Bra:
Many structured dress doesn't require bra, and I can provide thin cups or gel cups when that calls for support.
Fitting Days and Location
Sunday morning to mid day and Wednesday afternoon. By appointment only.
Fremont Space Building:
600 N 36th St. Suite #326
Seattle, WA 98103
(I will send you door code to enter. )
New studio is limited in space. Up to two accompanied guests are welcome to join the fitting with you.
Alteration Service
Portfolio
Reshaping bodice on silk taffeta dress. photo credit: Kimberly Kay Photography
Shoulder strap and bodice adjustment on beaded decorative lace dress. photo credit: Tonie Christine Photography
Bodice adjustment and hemming on lace on silk crepe dress. photo credit: Stephanie Mballo
Lowering neckline and armholes. Reshaping strap on novelty lace. photo credit: Matthew Lands Studio
Multiple layered tulle ball gown with horsehair hemming. photo credit: Matthew Lands Photography
Reshaping neckline, bodice adjustment and belt sewn in on sequined lace dress. photo credit: Rachel Howerton Photography
Lace bodysuit reshaping. Multiple Layered silk chiffon skirt hemming with 11 point french bustles. photo credit: Caitlin McConnico Photography
Converting long sleeved dress to strapless. Open up cups, reshaping neckline and bodice adjustment. photo credit: Stephannie Brazzile Photography
Adding crinoline to create more volume. Hemming of layered organza. 4 point french bustles. photo credit: Stephannie Brazzile Photography
Bio
I am a graduate of Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo. I love fashion design, draping and variety of fine tailoring techniques. I have worked in design studios and sample rooms in NY -includes Adrianne Vittadini, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor. After moving to Seattle, I immersed myself in the bridal gown business - at Luly Yang and Calla Bridal - as a design and dress consultant. Using my 25 years of fashion industry experience, I started my own business in 2013. Since then, I am very fortunate to work with more than 1000 clients.
Beside working on dresses, I love urban sketching, water color painting, hiking and yoga!
Contact
Currently accepting wedding date: 01/25/25~08/31/25.
For September 2025 and later dates, I will reach back to you in January following your contact.
Please include wedding date, departure date for destination wedding, designer & style name of the dress, and where it was purchased.