The Dress Maker Novels & Stories

TWO WEEKs LATER. I stare back at myself in the full-length mirror. Gnawing on my inner cheek as I twist my torso side to side, getting a glimpse of myself from every angle possible. “What do you think? I like this one a lot, but I'm not too thrilled about the length of the train.” I look back into the mirror and meet the dressmaker's gaze. “If you want, I can put that skirt on this dress. It will take me about a week to sew. As you already know, I'm up to my ears in work this season.” She kindly offers with her index finger, tapping her chin as she's deep in thought.

I hadn't planned on going inside, I had only wanted to look to maybe get some ideas. "Here they are!" the dressmaker said excitedly. She hung up what looked like a hundred dresses on an empty rack. "What styles are you thinking?" she asked looking at my body. "I think a princess ballgown would look beautiful!" I wasn't sure what style I had in mind but, "princess ballgown" did not sound like it. The dressmaker pulled out a gown still covered in plastic. It looked like it would be hard to walk before she took it out of the plastic, never mind when it was on me. "I don't think that one is my style," I replied hoping not to hurt her feelings.

Not unless she sees the price tag and she will decide. Chestel Fae is a great tailor too. She does it whenever she is bored. And, she can also knit and is also currently taking workshops for traditional fabric weaving. “Yes, Ma’am. This is actually one of our best dresses here made by a famous tailor in Europe. I can guarantee you that the price is worth your money.” The lady assisting us butted in while smiling from ear to ear. At least she’s somewhat approachable.

"I'll have any dresses that interest you brought here, and you can try them on." Lulu nodded, and flipped through the catalog on the table, looking through several dresses repeatedly. They were elegant and certainly unordinary. Zachary read it with her but did not mention his opinions. On the other hand, the manager said, "Our dresses aren't designer dresses, but they could give them a run for their money. Each is uniquely woven by professional tailors with exclusive materials, having its copyrighted design and serial number. It's as inspired as designer dresses." Lulu nodded. "I can see the inspiration." She certainly had to admit there was so much refined elegance to choose from, and she w

Mia told her mom feeling sad. Emma smiled at her daughter's concern. "Don't worry dear. There are many stores out there and so many other designers. If you have something in mind, we can ask the designer to make it for you" she assured. "But mom, we only have one week. How can it be possible to make a dress so fast?" she shared her concern. But before Emma could reply, Reed, Alesso, and Nero strolled inside the store laughing and Joking. When Mia saw the three of them together, she became really happy.

Olivia's pov The shop door chimed softly as we entered. The dressmaker, a kind older woman with an eye for detail and warmth to match, greeted us with a beaming smile. Bolts of exquisite fabrics lined the walls, their colours are vibrant, each one telling its own tale. I knew the one I held within my heart today—a tale of love, resilience, and hope.

She'd betrayed me once, I don't want her overhearing the dressmaker's words and spilled it to whichever contestants would pay for it. "It's in your pocket, open it when no one else is around," the dressmaker went on. Her words all in a strategic whisper. I stood still and let her finished tying the straps. "Alright then, I'm done. These are all the dresses you'll need." This time, the dressmaker's words rang out clearly. I refused to bid her farewell as she packed her tools and left. I waited for Beatrice to put away the last dress before she departed as well.

Just morning sunlight, warm blankets, and my daughter’s tiny hands wrapped around my wrist like I was her entire world. But illusions never lasted long in my life. Two hours later, the dressmaker arrived. She was punctual, expressionless, and exuded a kind of poised elegance that made me feel tired just standing near her. She moved like a ghost, silent and unbothered, carrying a sleek black case and a kind of practiced detachment that felt honed over years. “You may create whatever you like,” I told her without looking up. “I’m not picky.” It was a lie.

He absolutely could not be trusted. Once I had resolved and hardened my wariness of the king, I tried to relax and enjoy the plushness surrounding me as best I could. The dressmaker came in with a whole rolling wardrobe of garments in my size. I quickly learned that she wasn’t actually going to make the dress. What she did was let me try them on like my own personal Princess dress-up wardrobe.

She called one of the dressmakers and hurried her to finish the job before closing today. “Get the other ladies to help. We don’t want to make this customer unhappy.” “Yes Ma’am” The dressmaker bowed politely and left. “Time?” “58 hours.” “Sorry.” Almera felt regretful. “Why are you sorry?” Mira shrugged and giggled “I am the one who wants to make money. I am the one who wants to do it.” Almera shook her head helplessly as she started to discuss her next plan.