At Atelier Yvicor we make our own collection of party dresses at our workshop in Sant Feliu de Codines (Vallès Oriental). With that same handcrafted sewing experience, we alter graduation dresses so they fit your body and what you'll be doing in them that day: the ceremony, the end-of-year dinner and, often, the after-party too.
Alterations we do
- Waist, bust and hip adjustments
- Hemming
- Strap adjustments
- Neckline modifications
- Cup inserts
- Sleeve alterations
- Zip replacement
- Lining repairs
- Size adjustments
- Dress transformations
The number of fittings depends on how complex the alteration is: a simple adjustment can be sorted in a single fitting, while size changes or transformations usually need two.
📖 Taking measurements helps us prepare the alteration. You can read our guide on what a dressmaker looks for when taking measurements and preparing a sewing pattern.
Plan your alterations before graduation
We recommend getting in touch at least 2-3 weeks before graduation to allow for fittings. When we examine the dress, we confirm the time needed based on the changes and workshop availability. If you have less time, mention this when contacting us so we can assess whether your date is feasible.
A dress for the whole day
It's common for the same dress to be worn at the ceremony and then at the dinner or after-party too, which means hours of continuous wear across different moments: standing during the ceremony, sitting at dinner, moving on the dance floor afterwards. Knowing this helps us decide on the hem length and the fit at the bust and waist. During the fitting, we check ease and freedom of movement, as we explain in hemming a dress.
Dresses bought online
If you bought your dress online and it doesn't quite fit, bring it to your first appointment. We'll assess it together: what can be altered, what kind of work it needs and how many fittings it will take depending on the change you want. If you're still not sure who to bring it to, in how to choose the right person to alter or make your dress we share a few pointers.
Fabrics we work with
Satin, tulle, lace, chiffon, crepe and other delicate materials typical of party and graduation dresses.
Why bring your dress to Atelier Yvicor
- Our own workshop in Sant Feliu de Codines: we draw on our experience of designing and making special occasion dresses when assessing the structure and finishes of yours.
- A joint assessment at the first appointment, whether the dress is from our own collection or bought elsewhere.
- Last-minute flexibility when the schedule allows: tell us your graduation date when you get in touch.
Sant Feliu de Codines, Barcelona and the surrounding area
Our workshop is in Sant Feliu de Codines (Vallès Oriental) and we serve Barcelona and its metropolitan area, as well as nearby towns: Bigues i Riells, Caldes de Montbui, Sant Quirze Safaja, Castellterçol and L'Ametlla del Vallès.
A fitting that considers the whole day
When trying it on, walk, sit down and gently raise your arms. Check that you do not step on the hem and that the neckline stays in place. Tell us if you will wear an academic gown or change shoes between the ceremony and the party: these details help us choose an adjustment you can wear throughout the celebration.
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I bring my dress?
We recommend getting in touch at least 2-3 weeks before the event. We confirm the timescale after assessing the alteration and workshop availability; complex transformations may need more time.
Do you alter dresses bought elsewhere or online?
Yes. You bring it to the first appointment and we assess together what it needs.
How many fittings will I need?
It depends on the alteration: a simple one can be sorted in one fitting, while size changes or transformations usually need two.
Can you do a last-minute alteration?
If the schedule allows, yes. Tell us your graduation date when you get in touch and we'll assess it.
Arrive at your graduation with a dress that fits
Tell us your graduation date and whether you need the length, straps, neckline or waist changed. Add a photograph and tell us which shoes you will wear so we can organise the fitting.