About Zen
I work as a coutures dressmaker specialising in expert alterations and bespoke gowns, based in Surrey, from my Sutton studio. I offer expert bespoke dressmaking, wedding dress tailoring and couture-level fitting for brides across Surrey and South London. With over 24 years of experience, I am recognised among the most highly recommended bridal alteration specialists in the region.
Over Two Decades of Bridal Alterations in Sutton
At Tailoring & Alterations, I am passionate about delivering the highest level of service to every client. I specialise in bridal alterations in Sutton & Cheam, with a particular focus on complex gown transformations and couture-level fitting.
Throughout my career, I have worked on garments from leading fashion houses including Dior, Prada, Emporio Armani, and Alexander McQueen, developing a deep understanding of structure, fabric, and couture-level finishing
Working from my private home studio on an appointment-only basis, I offer a calm, personalised experience for each bride. While fittings are pre-booked, I am always happy to accommodate short-notice appointments where possible.
💎 Training & Expertise
I trained professionally as a Haute Couture Fashion designer. I graduated from PIFD, which is affiliated with the prestigious Ecole de la chambre Syndicale de la couture parisienne for my degree. I was awarded 1st place throughout my degree and received a gold trophy for outstanding performance.
My background in dressmaking began with formal training in pattern cutting and garment construction, where I explored structure, balance and silhouette in depth. During this time, one of my asymmetrical jacket designs was selected for presentation on the runway — an experience that continues to inform my approach today, particularly in working with proportion, movement and detail.
This fashion illustration was created during my time working in London with Beatrice Von Tresckow, inspired by the rich colours and distinctive designs within her collection. It was originally developed for a Christmas card concept, reflecting my exploration of form, silhouette, and detail.
✨ Industry Experience
I have worked with renowned designers including Catherine Walker (couturier to Diana, Princess of Wales), Beatrice Von Tresckow, Nilofer Shahid — a designer of exceptional craftsmanship, later awarded the prestigious French knighthood, Le Grade de Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres and Maria B.
My background in dressmaking began with formal training in pattern cutting and garment construction, leading to my work with British designer Catherine Walker, where I developed my skills as a fitter and pattern cutter before progressing to bridal production management. This experience provided a deep understanding of garment structure, precision fitting and the level of craftsmanship required in high-end bridalwear — foundations that continue to shape my work today.
With over 24 years of experience in the fashion and bridal industry, I have worked with a wide range of clients, including high-profile and celebrity clientele. I have also successfully run my own fashion business prior to relocating to the UK.
I have worked closely with established bridal boutiques across Surrey and South London, including Aurora Bride (Cheam), Love Bridal (Crystal Palace), and Lucinda’s Bridal (Purley).
I share insights into my bespoke work and bridal alterations expertise through my former blog, Tailoring & Alteration , and now through the Atelier Journal—a space where I document dress transformations, fittings, and the craftsmanship behind each bespoke piece I create, alongside couture-level alterations.
My experience in the bridal industry is built on an earlier foundation in design and craftsmanship.
Origins in Bridal Design & Hand Embroidery
Before establishing my work in the UK, I designed my own bridal collections, creating garments from concept through to completion.
Each piece began as a hand-drawn design, developed on tracing paper to refine structure, proportion, and intricate detailing. These designs were then brought to life through traditional hand embroidery and couture construction, working closely with skilled artisans.
Today, I specialise in Western bridal alterations, and this foundation allows me to approach each dress with a deeper understanding of design, structure, and craftsmanship — ensuring every alteration feels seamless and true to the original gown.
I designed everything from the toile fitting to design details of the pattern, to how the embroidery took shape . My specialty was using semi precious stones like emeralds, moonstones, garnets and rubies and uncut stones incorporated in the embroidery seamlessly.
Tap the images above to explore
💎 Couture Craftsmanship
My expertise covers all aspects of bridal and occasion wear, including:
- Complex alterations
- Bespoke dressmaking
- Structural gown transformations
- Precision fitting and finishing
✨Explore My Bridal Alterations & Bespoke Dress making Services
Every garment is approached with couture-level attention to detail, ensuring both fit and design are perfectly balanced. My work is rooted in precision, structure, and an artistic approach to design, shaped by years of working with garments from leading fashion houses.
Alongside my dressmaking, I have a deep appreciation for artistry in all its forms, subtly influencing the detail, balance, and flow within each piece I create.
If you’d like to learn more about my bespoke dressmaking & bridal alterations services and the areas I cover, you can explore the pages below:
Bridal Alterations in Surrey & South London
Bridal Alterations in Wimbledon
Bridal Alterations in Wallington
Bridal Alterations in Crystal Palace
✨ Silk Artistry – Enchanted Silks by Zen
Alongside my bridal work, I am also the creator behind Enchanted Silks by Zen, available on ETSY, where I design and hand-paint luxury silk pieces.
In 2022, I travelled to the USA to study advanced silk painting techniques with master artist Karen Sistek. This included an intensive one-to-one session, where I learned specialised methods of painting directly onto silk using advanced sizing techniques.
My silk collections are currently being refined and will be available online, with selected designs accessible via fabric and print platforms.
Explore my Silk Journal
Handmade by Zen
Silk Atelier Class
Lace Knitting & Crochet Bridal Wraps
Beyond bridal work, my practice is rooted in traditional textile arts — from fine lace knitting to cross-stitch calligraphy, disciplines that quietly refine the precision, patience, and sensitivity I bring to every gown, where intricate lace, beadwork, and structure must be handled with absolute care and intention.
During the winter months, many brides ask what they can wear over their gowns without compromising the elegance of their look. This hand-knitted wrap was created with a bride in mind, who fell in love with it while it was still in progress. Working from a pattern by Kristin Omdahl, I refined the design for her wedding by adding Swarovski crystal droplets along the hem, along with delicate bicone beading to introduce a subtle, light-catching shimmer.
The piece remains part of my atelier collection — a reflection of the kind of work I love to create when craftsmanship is given time and freedom. Similar pieces can be created on a bespoke basis, each one uniquely tailored to the bride and her gown.
Cross Stitch Calligraphy:
In the quiet winter months, I often return to my cross-stitch calligraphy pieces — a slower, more contemplative practice that deepens my connection to thread and form. Over the years, I have created many, including this piece, worked in Arabic script: “In the name of God, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful.”
Craftsmanship has always been central to my work, not only within bridalwear but also through personal projects that demand the same level of precision and dedication.
One such piece was a large-scale hand-stitched calligraphy artwork, measuring approximately 80 by 80 cm, which took close to a year to complete. Every stitch required focus, consistency, and accuracy — qualities that continue to define how I approach each gown I work on today.
Artistic Practice
Alongside my work in bridal alterations and bespoke dressmaking, I also explore form and textile detail through miniature-inspired paintings, using watercolour, gouache, ink and mixed media.
This practice reflects a quiet, observational approach to fabric, movement and balance — something that naturally informs the way I work with garments, particularly in preserving structure and design.
Beyond Dressmaking & Silk Art
Alongside my work in couture dressmaking, I have always had a strong connection to the arts. I was awarded a prize at a national music conference for my sitar performance — a discipline rooted in precision, patience and control, much like the work I bring to each garment.
💎 A Personal Approach
With decades of experience and a deep passion for craftsmanship, my goal is always the same — to ensure every client feels confident, comfortable and beautifully fitted in their garment.
Bridal Alterations Across South London
I also work with brides from across South London and surrounding areas, including Wallington, Wimbledon, Kingston Upon Thames, Croydon, Cheam, Crystal Palace, Carshalton and Morden.
Brides often travel to me for a private, couture-level fitting experience, where every detail of the dress is carefully tailored to achieve the perfect fit. If my approach resonates with you and you would like to book your private fitting, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Proudly serving brides since 2003
