Van’s Tailor

I was in need of a tailor that could convert my grandmother’s chinese silk brocade long skirt, into a chinese silk top. After reading the previous reviewer, I decided to give this place a try, as there were no other places I could find that could make such a big alteration for me.
Getting there was a little far (in Langley, from Vancouver), but it was worth the drive. I showed up with the skirt that needed altering, and some pictures of how I wanted it altered. The ladies there were very nice. They took the appropriate measurements to convert the chinese skirt into a chinese silk top. Cost was reasonable given it was a difficult task! But they were able to get it done in 2 weeks! I was very impressed and pleased with the results.
Would definitely recommend this place to all brides looking for alterations that would seem impossible, actually possible. Thank you Van!

This place is a surprisingly busy little shop way out in Langley (I live in East Van), but it came highly recommended. I have got to say, Van is a very skilled, competent tailor. She has had the store since 1993, & has over 30 years of experience. I had to be picky for a reason. She was entrusted with the difficult task of altering my wedding dresses!
My traditional white dress needed a bunch of work done to it. Some of it was standard stuff — it needed a bustle, & needed to be hemmed. However, my dress was poufy & had a few layers of silk & tulle, which made it a bit trickier than the standard slinky dress. Then she had to take in the bust… but my dress didn’t have a seam down the sides & was covered in lace. Van had to create a seam, cover it back up with the lace, and make it look like nothing had ever happened there. She also had to create a sweetheart neckline. Did i mention that it was also low backed? Easier or more difficult? Am I the nightmare customer everyone dreads having? Why yes, yes I am!
My other dress, which was a form fitting, open backed, neck high, red lace cheongsam-​inspired fishtail beauty, also needed a complete overhaul! I ordered it online, from China, and I gave the sellers all the correct measurements, but when I received it, nothing fit right! I had to have 1 of 2 inner linings taken out, neckline of the lining lowered, waist taken in, upper chest part shortened (which meant taking out the mandarin collar, adjusting the lace, & putting the collar back on), sleeves taken in & open back material adjusted so it sat right. Anyway, she pretty much made it into a new dress!
I can’t believe she did such a great job with my dresses and in a reasonable time, too… and both my maid of honour & bridesmaid got their dresses altered with her too! All the guests loved the outfits. I owe it all to her for making them fit. If I ever have to get a fancy gala ball gown for the Oscars altered, I know where to go.
Other services:
–Prom dress season alterations! You think a wedding dress is hard? Look at these monstrous grad dresses with beads, pleats, ruffles, sequins, metallic fabrics, bright colours with nowhere to hide flaws! These things can be extreme!
–Van also sells handmade cheongsam & traditional Vietnamese clothes for guys, gals & kids, with silk fabrics straight from China & Vietnam. Amazing work.
–All the regular kinds of alterations are done here too — pants/​jeans hemmed, suits, dress shirts, leather, whatever it is, she can do it!
Open 6 days a week! Sundays closed. Gotta take a break some time.