Melissa is known for her creative solutions when it comes to solving the trickiest alterations puzzles. Over the course of your time with us, she will be the main guide for your projectand works directly on your garments or designs while also overseeing her amazing team.
Melissa has been sewing for over 25 years—ever since her great-grandmother started showing her how to read patterns as a child. She attended New York’s renowned Fashion Institute of Technology where she received her Associate’s degree in Tailoring and her Bachelor’s degree in Ready-to-Wear. She also spent a year studying fashion abroad at the Polimoda School in Florence, Italy.
Over the course of her professional career, she has spent time sewing, pattern making and designing for names like Izod, Victor de Souza and Dennis Basso. She was also a Visual Manager for Anthropologie, White House Black Market and DKNY’s flagship store in New York.
Seeing a need for a new generation of sewing professionals in Connecticut, she founded deMelis Atelier in 2018. In addition to providing dress alterations to hundreds of brides each year, she has coordinated and styled various bridal themed photoshoots with local industry leaders. She also works closely with Beth Chapman Styling to provide brides with Day-of-Wedding Dressing Services and Concierge Alterations, working with top wedding planners like Tracy Taylor Ward and Kathy Romero. In 2021 deMelis Atelier became the first alterations business to be invited to become a member of The Bridal Council.
When Melissa isn’t taking care of brides and nearlyweds, she’s focused on bringing together seamstresses and other sewing professionals worldwide through her organization, Stitched Collective—a group she founded to foster connection, education, and awareness and further the growth of the sewing trades. You can check them out here.
MELISSA
Owner/Master Seamstress
"What we do goes so much deeper than just sewing a garment. The real magic is when a client realizes their true beauty and that confidence shines through and takes over. Being able to help others feel their best still gives me goosebumps every time."
Aprylle possesses a super keen eye and is always incorporating new techniques at the shop. You’ll catch them assisting Melissa in your fitting in order to understand the final goals in relation to our starting point. Aprylle’s specialty though, is delicate handwork. Whenever a garment needs that final finishing touch, they’re the one to get the job done to pure *chef’s kiss* perfection!
Aprylle
LEAD SEWER
"When it comes to refining the details of your look, I’m your guy. Hand sewing lace, sign me up!"
Callie is well versed in machine sewing and boy can she put in a zipper! She is working on becoming a fit specialist as well, so you may catch her in your fitting appointment learning the ropes for pinning and marking. Callie’s background in fashion design means she is always ready to facilitate the custom projects we receive in addition to more traditional alterations.
CALLIE
ASSOCIATE SEWER
"I fell in love with all things creative at a young age. Each dress is unique and offers a new learning experience. I love exploring how to creatively approach each challenge under Melissa's guidance."
Have you been texting with us? Chances are, you’ve already interacted with our fabulous Operations Manager, Sarah. She’s the newest addition to our team of cool kids and keeps everything running smoothly. Sarah manages all of our communications and scheduling, and assists with our social media accounts. She is an organizing goddess and makes it possible for everyone to concentrate on what they do best.
SARAH
