Behind every dress, there’s a story. Here’s mine.
MEET
MONTSE
Fashion has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, but bridal has always held a special place in my heart. I began working in alterations at 18 while studying fashion design, and what started as a job quickly became something I genuinely loved.
After graduating with my degree in Fashion Design in 2022, my career took me through different sides of the fashion industry, from couture and pattern making to fashion and technical design. I’ve had the opportunity to work with private labels and bridal companies, gaining experience not only in how beautiful garments are designed, but also in how they are constructed, fitted, and produced.
My experience in bridal technical design gave me an especially valuable perspective: understanding how wedding gowns are constructed from the inside out. I’ve worked closely with gowns produced overseas, reviewing fit, construction, measurements, and quality. That knowledge now allows me to approach alterations differently. My goal is never for a dress to look altered, when it leaves my hands, I want it to look and feel as though it was made that way from the beginning.
WHY
MONTSE’S
ATELIER
Even while working full-time in the fashion industry, I always came home and continued doing alterations. Somehow, after a long day in the corporate world, working on a bride’s dress never felt like more work. It was the part of my day I looked forward to.
I wanted to create the kind of bridal alterations experience I would want for myself: personal, relaxed, detail-oriented, and approachable. Because I work independently and take on a limited number of gowns, I’m able to dedicate the time and attention each dress deserves.🤍
My approach combines the precision I learned through technical design with the craftsmanship I learned working in couture. I pay attention not only to how your gown fits, but also to the details you may never see the construction inside, the balance of the hem, the way the gown falls, and even factory imperfections that may need a little extra attention.
Be picky. You’re allowed to be.
This is your bridal era, your dress, and your wedding day. If something doesn’t feel quite right, tell me. I want us to work through it together until you feel beautiful, comfortable, and completely happy with your gown.
My goal is simple: for you to walk out of my studio feeling like your dress is perfectly yours.
Inspired by Grandma
Before fashion school, bridal, or Montse’s Atelier, there was my grandma.
She is the reason I fell in love with sewing and ultimately the reason I do what I do today. Growing up around her taught me that sewing is so much more than making something fit, it’s about patience, attention to detail, and putting care into something that will mean so much to someone else.
As my career took me into fashion design, couture, pattern making, and bridal, I developed my own knowledge and techniques, but the heart behind what I do has always stayed the same.
Montse’s Atelier may have my name on it, but its story started with her.
“Ay, niña… ven, yo te loarreglo.”
“Come here, let me fix it for you.”
— Lila Contreras Santillana
AKA Grandma