Alice Padrul's gowns are nothing short of breathtaking. I came to her studio all the way from California. After finding a picture of a dress online I called and asked where I could try on her gowns in California but she told me that "girls come to her from all over" so after looking all over San Fransisco and Sacramento I went to Chicago and found my dream dress. Alice is nothing short of a brilliant artist and she crated my very own masterpiece. The dress is so beautiful that it makes me sad that I'll only get to wear it one day. Alice took the time to listen to my needs and desires, help make suggestions on what would look best on my body and merged the top of one dress with the bottom of another. Having a dress created for you and your body will make you feel beautiful, confident and excited to be a bride. If you want a unique, beautiful, romantic dress of your dreams - go to Alice Padrul. You'll be amazed when it is all over. I think Alice's dresses are more beautiful than all the top designers (Amsale, Vera Wang, Carolina Herrera, etc) that send so much on marketing their dresses to a national audience through fashion magazines. Alice's craftsmanship and fabrics are simply the best. If you live in the mid-west, this is a must stop bridal salon. And, if you live out of the area and you fall in love with a dress online, just go, you won't be disappointed by the care and love you'll feel from Alice and her team. read more

I didn't get a dress here, but I cannot say enough about Alice and her gowns. Very unique and SO well made. After trying on dresses that were the price of a small car and seeing that they really aren't well made, I was pleasantly surprised by Alice's designs. Plus, her gowns are made FOR YOU. Not cut from a bigger dress. Many other salons will measure you and just buy a gown based on your biggest measurement, then charge you $$ to alter. Alice's gowns are custom. The only reason I didn't buy a dress here is because I decided not to get married. read more

I met Alice Padrul when she was doing work in Winnetka...absolutely one of the finest couture designers. Thank you, Alice, for the great work you've done. read more

I just recently got married in August 2011. My mother and I randomly came across Alice Padrul and I've never been happier! Here are 4 reasons why you should take the time to stop by her shop: 1) The quality of work and material does not match anywhere else: This was my first store I visited with my mom after I got engaged. I live in DC but was getting married in Chicago so when I first visited Chicago to find a venue I was naïve and didn't realize I needed to make an appointment at a bridal store to look at dresses. So, I looked on Yelp and randomly found Alice. After falling in love with my dress from Alice, I became nervous that I was jumping into buying something too quickly and decided to make an appointment at another bridal shop on Oak Street. Although they had beautiful dresses too, nothing compared to the quality that Alice put together and for similar prices! 2) Go in with an open mind and remember you only need to love 1 dress: When I first walked in, I'll be honest, some of her dresses were not my style....but you will get that with any bridal store. in the end, you just need to love one! Also, trust her judgement! I specifically told her that I didn't want strapless because I'm self conscious about my shoulders and she picked out a strapless dress for me. Hmmmmm, I thought to myself "I thought I said no strapless" but it turned out to be the dress because the style and cut fit my body type like a glove and she was able to add straps onto it too! 3) Alice: She is the sweetest, most accommodating woman and her husband is wonderful too. Since I was traveling back and forth from DC, she was able to accommodate all of my dress fittings despite delayed flights, other appointments running late, etc. 4) Made to Fit You: Another thing I loved about the dress was that it was made from scratch. It wasn't a manufactured dress that you buy in a size that "might" fit you and then you get it altered. Alice made the dress to fit me perfectly! read more

I'm not sure if Alice is still in business, but I still remember the dress for my sister's wedding, in which I was the maid of honor some time ago. My sister described her artistry and technical skills as "world-class", she is also an expert communicator, especially with English as a second language. She was able to describe my sister's perfect dress back to her, with such erudition and detail. You can tell she was trained in the classics and art history with her knowledge of aesthetics and costume design. We will always remember her as somewhat of an engineer and extraordinary artist! read more

The dresses in this store are gorgeous. The craftmanship is outstanding. The styles vary from strapless ballgowns to chic sheaths. Many of the dresses have lace detail but there other dresses that are simple and elegant. I was lucky enough to be assisted by the designer, Alice Padrul, herself for my appointment. She was very kind and wasn't pushy at all. read more

I feel like I have to post my honest review after having a difficult experience here. To provide a full picture, I should start by saying that Alice is a very talented designer and she uses top quality materials. She is very nice to work with and I truly wish I could be writing a better review. I purchased a custom dress there and had serious issues with the fit. I am not a difficult fit, no special body shape and average height and weight. My weight did not change throughout the process, the dress was just never right. First the skirt then the bodice. Even with multiple fittings and plenty of time, it was a week before my wedding and the dress did not fit properly. I ended up having to buy a new dress off the rack a few days before and have it quickly altered. Fortunately, I found a dress with a similar style and a seamstress was able to make the alterations in a day. Because at Alice Padrul they require full payment at the first dress fitting and would not offer any kind of refund, I am stuck with the dress and out $4,500. I did pick it up and try it on a last time and it still does not fit properly. read more

Alice personally picks out the dresses with you and helps you try them on in her store. Alice is a very sweet lady and is very passionate about what she does. With each dress you try on, she will step back, admire you, explain the changes that can be done to each dress and doesn't rush you through anything. All the dresses make you look like a princess with a lot of floral detail and organza. Although the dresses are very cute, they were not my style. However, for brides who like a lot of detailing, flowers, organza and something aside from the typical strapless gown, Alice Pardul is the place to go. read more

Ladies, if you're tired of hearing nightmare stories about dresses arriving a week before the wedding in the wrong size or the last fitting being a complete disaster, meet Alice. You will be able to design your dream dress, it will be made specifically for you and you will see progress monthly (if not weekly). Alice and her incredible staff will make sure you're completely satisfied. Not once did I have to worry about the final product, which turned out to be beyond amazing. All night people kept on coming up to me telling me how beautiful the dress was and how angelic and ethereal I looked. It was a perfect day accompanied by a perfect dress. read more

Working with Alice Padrul has been a really wonderful experience. I really feel lucky to have happened upon her studio (found her on Yelp), which is both adorable and inviting. It was the first place I had gone to look for a wedding dress and the first dress I tried on ended up being the one! Alice was very understanding and helpful when I asked to have the dress modified - there is nothing like working with the actual designer of your dress. It's been such a pleasure to work with her and she is amazing - I trust her suggestions and opinions completely. The dress has turned out to be comfortable, gorgeous, and perfect! I can't wait to wear it. I highly, highly recommend Alice Padrul for your wedding dress - she can do anything! read more

I cannot say enough wonderful words about Alice and the experience I had with her. I started my wedding dress shopping at all of the high end boutiques on Oak Street and liked many of the dresses but couldn't seem to find the one that made me feel special. With no luck, my mom extended her trip in Chicago and we went to see Alice. I knew from the second I stepped foot in her boutique that it was THE place. Everything about the experience at the boutique just "felt right." Alice and her husband were very welcoming and understanding about everything. I must have tried on every dress in her store, since they are all so gorgeous, and not once did I feel rushed at all. I fell in love with the last dress I tried on but there were a few things I wanted to change about it. Alice was beyond accommodating and helpful with all of my requests. Not only did she meet all of my requests but having her artistic eye made the dress even more gorgeous. She literally made me the dress of my dreams. Throughout my many fittings (which were included in the dress price) we were able to change and update my vision to create a one of a kind dress. One of her seamstresses, Svetlana, was absolutely amazing in helping me fit the dress perfectly to my continually changing body shape. The dress literally fit me like a glove and I could not have asked for a more perfect dress or fit for my big day. Alice also made me a beautiful veil and a one of a kind head piece that I have not stopped getting compliments on. Her work is truly amazing and the experience she gives to her clients is more than any other high end boutique could come close to. The entire six month process was more than I had ever imagined it would be and I wish that every bride could experience the professionalism, creativeness, warmth and expertise that Alice and her "family" have to offer. I cannot give Alice Padrul Bridal Couture enough stars! ****** read more

My grandmother, who passed away nearly 8 years, was an idyllic lady, had a kind soul & such a joy to be around. She was loving, supportive & the perfect grandmother. So when it came down to finding a designer would made me feel comfortable redesigning my grandmothers wedding dress, it wasn't an easy task. I needed to feel 100+% confident that they were a true professional and the best when it came down to pulling apart pieces of her dress. I rest assure you, the moment I stepped into her design room I felt at ease. Her & her husband are very kind & easy to work with. Her gowns are absolutely beautiful. They had windows with the perfect ray of sun shining into the studio, a nice setup, with dresses lined up along the wall & a single changing room. She sells headpieces, belts, dresses for the mother & flower girl. I pulled ideas from my grandmothers dress & Alices dresses. She created /designed my own vision from the ground up. If I hadn't had my grandmothers dress, there was the most beautiful dress she designed that I would've chosen. Not to mention I received many compliments on the laced veil. Alice made sure the lace matched the lace from the wedding dress. I shared my ideas and I appreciated her taking control i.e. discussions about straps, placement of lace, removable halter strap to keep dress up, ideas for the silk belt, fittings, etc.. If I would've gone through this process again, I would choose Alice Padrul. Her designs are exquisite & 1 of a kind. It's the ideal studio with a private & personal touch.... and fun!! Thank you so much Alice. -Jami read more

THANK YOU SO MUCH ALICE!! This review is a bit late coming as I got married in August...I had given up hope of ever finding a dress before I found Alice Padrul. I had started to think that maybe the whole experience wasn't for me, so Alice quite literally saved me in what was starting to be quite a stressful wedding build up! I had been to two other dress places in Chicago and not particularly enjoyed either experience. I was living and working in Chicago and planning for a wedding back home in the UK, so living apart from my partner at the time. Alice immediately made me feel at ease in her studio. All her dresses are spellbindingly beautiful, but I couldn't believe my luck when a dress I had actually first spotted on her website seemed to feel just right- this was at last the moment I had been waiting for. It felt classically 'English country wedding', but also slightly different and very 'me'. It feels very special to have a dress tailored and made just for you, and Alice and her team ensured every single detail was perfect. I had several fittings in the months leading up to the wedding, and each time Alice was so friendly, but also very honest. She clearly gets to know each of her clients, and so was very in tune with what I wanted, without my having to say. She is such a talented lady, and suffice to say I was thrilled with the finished result. It survived the ten hour journey back home and I loved wearing it on my wedding day so much. Added bonus: it was EXTREMELY comfortable, something I had been adamant was important. It was such a wonderful day and we couldn't stop smiling. It was so relaxed, the sun was shining and everyone was really happy. I absolutely loved my beautiful dress and everyone commented on how it was very 'me'. I just hope that I wore it well and did it justice! Thank you again Alice for all your help - I am so pleased that it was you who made my dress; it made me feel really special. All the fittings and attention to detail were so appreciated. I can't thank you enough for your kindness and for making me the perfect dress... I hope anybody else who might be struggling to get into the 'wedding spirit' (as I was) reads this review and realizes it will be more than okay. read more

I can't say enough about Alice and her shop! Alice designed and made my dress using a piece of heirloom fabric I had. Before my initial consultation here, I had already met with several other designers, most of whom were a bit pushy. Alice isn't at all - from our first meeting, she was professional, sweet, and clearly a talented artist. She took the time to listen to my ideas and make suggestions based on my preferences. I met with Alice probably a half-dozen times over the course of several months. I always looked forward to our appointments; definitely the best part of wedding planning for me! The dress Alice created for my wedding couldn't have been better. I just wish I could keep wearing it! read more

I agree with everyone on here, Alice Padrul is extraordinary! It was the first appointment I had and no one even came close to comparing. Her dresses are unique, you can tell she dedicates her whole heart into each detail from the design down to the seams. It is refreshing to see someone using entirely different fabrics and accents from the norm. And what can I say about Alice...she is so special. She really made the whole experience memorable. She takes the time to fit the dress, let you gaze at yourself, talk to your mom (or shopping companions of choice) and really get a chance to decide. She doesn't have you diving in and out of dresses, with your head spinning, where time is money...it is completely about you. She is honest and has great suggestions, after all these are her babies too, she wants them to be worn well. She will customize your gown and veil for you how you wish. I really can't say enough about her and her collection...Alice Padrul is truly special and I am fortunate that I found her. read more

I honestly had the worse experience in this store and wouldn't recommend it to anyone. I was hesitant from the beginning because they charge $100 when you call in just to make the appointment and will charge for each appointment if you need to come back. No other bridal stores charge for appointments so I thought that it was a red flag but I liked some of the dresses on the website so I thought that it was worth a try. I told Alice and her partner about my budget ahead of time and they said that they could work with me. Since we were charged just to look I expected the experience to be really fun but it was quite the opposite! We were barely greeted and immediately after I started looking through the dresses one of the owners said that the dress that I was looking at was too expensive and I couldn't afford it. The selection was pretty small and the owner shut us down so many times that I finally said that I would really like to try on a couple of different dresses just to give me an idea. His response was: Why would you try on a dress that you can't afford? Needless to say that the experience I was very negative. I was there for about 30 minutes and I tried on a few dresses that were very pretty but honestly I would not even consider buying a dress somewhere after being treated that way. My bridesmaids and I were shocked when we left and I felt humiliated. I would not recommend coming to this store even if there was no charge. read more

I went to 8 bridal salons all over the city before I found my dress at Alice Padrul. The moment I walked into her store, I loved everything I saw. Her style is so unique and elegant. It was so nice to find something different. I was so tired of seeing the same basic strapless dress with a little beading on top. I highly suggest you check it out. I almost resigned myself that I was never going to get "that feeling" about a dress but after 8 bridal salons, I finally did at Alice Padrul. read more

I could not even dream of a better experience than working with Alice and her team on my wedding dress! She truly cares about your wishes. Her design and creativity is really worth the added expense! My dress fit me perfectly and she made sure to perfect every single detail! read more

Starting price for a custom wedding dress is $4,000 without even seeing what kind of design or dress you have in mind. The positive is that she quickly responded to my email to learn more about their process but the conversation came to a halt when she told me "Sorry, this is our starting price" after I sent a picture asking if the dress I envisioned would really cost that much. read more

Alice Padrul is an amazing designer! I would recommend her to anyone who is looking for a very personalized experience with regards to having a gown made. Alice and I designed my gown from scratch - we started by sketching ideas on paper and then 8 appointments later, she had created the most amazing gown for me. If you are looking for a couture gown, she is the one to go to. If like me, you want to steer clear of the larger bridal gown stores where you are one of 20 people being helped at any given moment, then Alice Padrul is where to go. At every appointment I was the only person in the entire store and not only was Alice there but also her seamstresses. They are perfectionists and it shows in their work! Thank you Alice for making my dream wedding gown come to life! read more