After 50 years in business, En-Toto Couture continues its tradition of bringing stunning one-of-a-kind customized special occasion gowns to the community.
“People might come in and show us a picture of a dress or something they saw on social media, and we can make it from scratch for them,” says Sunny Merker of En-Toto Couture.
Patty, the dressmaker and salesperson who has been creating custom-made designs that are very much in demand since 1908, is an integral part of the En-Toto Couture design team.
“It is not only beaded dresses we create,” says Merker, “but any type of funky-looking dress, lace dress, or something made of chiffon.”
Floor-length dresses are classic and always popular, but Merker has been seeing the high-low style and cocktail dresses as some of the latest trends.
Some of the designers’ creations they carry include Paula Varsalona, Tina di Martina, Fouy Chov, Jovani, Mon Cheri, and Ideas by Barbara, in addition to their, Enhances collection, a line that showcases their intricate beading.
“Every bead on our dresses is sewn by hand,” says Merker, who uses a centuries-old hand embroidered technique called, Zardosi, popular in India, Iran, and Pakistan. The ornate designs use gold and silver thread, pearls, and precious stones.
“You may think that designing a dress takes only five hours when it really takes 50 hours,” says Merker. “It’s very labor intensive, but all worth when I see how happy my client is.”
Earlier this month, En-Toto Couture had a trunk show showcasing its latest custom-beaded gowns and other collections, which they plan on doing monthly.
En-Toto Couture is located at 13 Glen Cove Rd., Greenvale. They can be reached at entotocouture.net or 516-829-8503.
