With so many businesses risking closure I was hesitant to buy a custom made dress at all! I searched online, on foot, and in person...none compared to the service and treatment I received at Paula Varsalona NYC! I was excited to learn this designer was truly unique as she teaches as the Fashion Institute of Technology AND 100% American Made, (everything is handmade in her studio), WOW! The Designer herself, Paula, agreed to meet with me via ZOOM, a service she offered on her website, which by the way was awesome - tons of photos of dresses to look at including her custom design work, check out her CUSTOM TRADITIONS COLLECTION (it really feels like no two gowns are alike, and I LOVED that!) We discussed the process of having a dress custom made to my specifications , we even discussed incorporating elements of my grandmothers dress into my gown, this wasn't a problem at all for Paula, in fact she loved the idea! I came in for an in person consultation, we designed the perfect look for me! The staff was kind and accommodating, they sketched a preliminary design and I am not gonna lie, its not cheap, but the craftmanship is like NOTHING I have ever experienced, its well worth the splurge. Paula made sure my dress was perfect and that I was happy. I even brought my Mother and Aunt and they both decided to have gowns made for my wedding here too! They were also happy, especially that they actually felt beautiful in their gowns and since they were so well made they lasted the entire day, nothing shifted or slipped down when we danced. In the end I would highly recommend Paula Varsalona NYC if you want something no one else has and trust me they will make you look amazing! Thank you to Paula, Susan, Gena & Staff for as you said, The Varsalona Experience! It was absolutely a positive experience and I encourage others to consider NYC's hidden gem in Bridal and Special Occasion!

Paula is a master at her craft. From the minute I met Paula she knew exactly what I wanted and how the gown should fall on my body-from design to color. Every fitting was a mastery of art. The details, the work the Paula put into making the dress is beyond words. I was the mother of the groom but I felt like the queen of the ball. Thank you Paula and a big shout out to Susan!!!

Paula and her team of extraordinary professionals created a magnificent piece of art for me to wear to my son's wedding. They applied their creativity and incredible skill to my vision and suffice it to say they exceeded my expectations in every way! Strangers stopped to admire the dress, (not me, LOL) with more than one exclaiming that it was one of the most beautiful dresses they had even seen! I recommend Paula, Susan, Gena and the rest of the amazing Varsalona team wholeheartedly, and without reservation.

Susan S