Stella York

I'm sorry you don't feel like the quality is the same as the sample. The glitter "bomb" might be because the loose glitter had already fallen off the sample dress since it was tried on so many times. Also, supply chain issues related to COVID-19 might have caused this gown to be made in a different factory than usual, which could account for the quality differences in fabric and finishes. Contact the salon with your concerns, like you should do with any purchase you are unhappy with.

As for "made in China", the vast majority of gowns are made there (80% according to this article ). Did you think it would be made in the US, and hand sewn?

You should reach out to them. Wedding dresses are expensive and you want to feel beautiful on your big day— that would not be sounding ungrateful at all. You might even be able to bring it into the store and compare!

View Quoted Comment The dress I tried on in the salon had just came in and they said no one else had tried it on yet. Whether that’s true or not, I’m not sure. But I specifically asked about that because I didn’t want to have glitter everywhere which they assured me wouldn’t be an issue.



I honestly didn’t question where the dress was made prior to receiving it, because I was happy with the quality and truly didn’t care. I didn’t assume it’d be handmade in the USA, no. But I also didn’t expect to see a worn down tag that said Made In China, either.
Thank you for attaching that link! I had not seen that article.

Sorry that happened. Maybe see if they will consider cleaning it up for you. I also have a stella york dress and it’s Stunning.

The “glitter bomb” also happens at the bridal shop. Most gowns are made in China but maybe call if quality control feels off?

I definitely would reach out to the salon and tell them your concerns. See what they suggest. The gown in the photo is beautiful though. Good Luck!

Sorry you’re going through this, Kayla.


Did you confirm where it was made before purchasing? I think there’s a misconception that things can be easily (and quickly) made in China. I work in overseas product development and supply chain, which means I’ve visited my fair share of different types of factories from silicone products to tech items to cut-and-sew, and production is pretty long on cut-and-are products. Some span over 90+ days for products that are the same size. Then you take into account transit time (usually 4-6 weeks on a boat and to get through customs and then delivered to door). So that may be why there was a 5-month wait time.
My dress designer was less well-known (Ian Stuart) in the US. My dress was made in the U.K. and was moderately priced (around $6k with a matching veil and alterations). It looked exactly as the one I tried on and in pristine condition. They told me it would take 6 months to receive, but I actually got it in 5. If you want something not made in China, you may have to go with lesser-known or more expensive brands like Monique Lhuillier, Berta, Hayley Paige, Pnina Tornai.

I bought a Stella York and absolutely love it. I didn’t get up close and exam it as the seamstress put it on me. But I would guess that salons prep the dress more then getting it direct - like steam, trim threads, fluff, etc. Let the salon know and they may provide a solution.

It blows my mind the amount of money people pay for their dresses! Personally, Stella York and dresses in that realm were never of interest to me; over-hyped and WAY over-priced for the same factory made quality and materials as cheaper dresses without the name. I'm so glad I work in the wedding industry because I learned my lesson and I've heard the same thing from brides countless times! If quality doesn't match price, return it! Don't get stuck on labels. My wedding dress is stunning, fits like a glove, will take everyone's breath away, and was legit under $200 (shocking, I know!)! Best of luck and hope you are happy with your final dress!!!