My experience with Hoax Couture was incredible from start to finish. I went to them for my custom wedding dress and I can say with confidence that there is no one else in the city of Toronto who could've done such a perfect job creating what I dreamed of. Jim Searle in particular was helpful, attentive, creative, clever, and visionary. We had several meetings, from my bringing pictures of what I had in mind and him making lovely drawings and helping me select from a wide range of glorious fabrics to the final fitting of my gown when I was completely happy with every aspect of it. I am so thrilled that I found Hoax to make *the* dress for my big day, it turned out just like I had been dreaming about since I was a little girl. But I also have every intention of calling them again to make every day dresses, shirts, trousers, and so on for me-they're just that good. Also, if you ever have a hard time, as I do, finding clothes off the rack that fit your unique shape and/or size, having something custom made is a great alternative, and the pricing is reasonable, especially considering the quality of what you end up with. The workmanship, care, attention to detail and attention to client's wishes is above and beyond at Hoax. Wonderful, seamless experience. Would recommend to anyone and everyone. read more

When my daughter found her prom dress she was so excited as it took months of going to several stores to finally find the ONE. But one day after ordering it we were told it was out of stock and couldn't be delivered in time for her prom date. I contacted dozens of stores in Canada and the US that carried the designer but couldn't find one anywhere. My daughter was devastated. So I googled "dressmakers" and Hoax Couture's website popped up. I looked at the dresses they had made and was impressed so I emailed a picture of the prom dress to them and asked if they thought they could replicate the dress. In less than 15 minutes, Jim responded telling me he could absolutely make the dress and we were at their studio the next day to start the process. It was exactly 5 weeks to my daughter's prom when I contacted Hoax Couture and we had the dress several days prior to the date. Jim did an amazing job. The dress ended up being better than the original as it was custom made for my daughter and every little detail was taken care of. I can't thank Jim enough because he made more than a dress. He helped make my daughter's prom the memorable experience it is supposed to be. -S. Downs read more

I came to Hoax with a picture as my prom dress inspiration, and Jim brought it to life as perfectly as I could have imagined! Jim was pleasant to work with and got my custom piece done well before the date to ensure everything was perfect. He was prompt with his work as i was able to fit in 3 fittings during the month we were working on my dress. I really liked how I was able to come in every week or so to see how the dress was coming along and give my input/change anything i didn't like. His suggestions and input were always on point and definitely helped the piece turn out amazing! He provided beautiful material for the dress and his work was spotless, no complaints whatsoever. Pricing was fair for the quality of his material along with his work and the fittings. The process was as smooth as could be, and even though i was nervous about the end result (you never know with custom pieces) his sketches and weekly fittings made me feel a lot more contented. If you're looking for a custom piece for whatever occasion I definitely recommend Hoax Couture. It was a pleasure working with them for my prom! read more

Finding Hoax Couture was like finding a slice of New York in my own back yard. I walked down Graffiti alley, across a blooming patio and into their cozy studio space, and I found myself in a fashion haven. Initially I contacted them for alterations to a business suite, but quickly realized that they were capable of so much more. Soon afterward, I came with a damaged dress that I loved, and asked them to remake it. Not only did they remake it, but it was better then the original! No job is too big, or too small! Ever since, I've allowed my imagination to blossom, knowing nothing is beyond their abilities, and my wardrobe has been evolving gloriously. They have also been wonderful educators in clothing care, and providing suggestions for businesses I might find useful, including stores that would suite my fashion sense. They are not only my tailors, they are my fashion mentors! read more

I found Hoax couture online, read some reviews and was impressed by their charity fundraising efforts. Jim and Chris responded to my initial inquiry very promptly and we got the ball rolling from there. I had a custom grown made for my wedding - I wanted grey velvet, slightly less traditional than the white gown so I could wear it again and again in the future. Every meeting with them was pleasant and professional. They did a wonderful job sourcing options for fabric I wanted and the final product was absolutely beautiful. I got so many compliments on my dress the night of our wedding. I'm so glad I chose Jim and Chris, if I ever had anything else I wanted made or that needed alternation, my first choice would be to return to them. Thanks Jim and Chris! read more

Jim and Chris are incredible designers and tailors. They're also a lot of fun to hang out with while your getting your clothes designed and fitted.I worked with them as a film and fashion show stylist in the 80s and now my two teenage daughters have had the most amazing prom dresses made by them. My eldest is now 20, her younger sister had a new dress made and refurbished my older daughters dress for a second prom. Jim and Chris came up with a great solution to make the dress fit - they added a stunning lace up back to suit my younger daughter's fuller figure.. Her new dress is a classic black jersey low backed halter, she'll have it for years. Ask Chris and Jim about their travels and be sure to look through a few of their rare coffee table books. read more

My fiancé (now husband) got engaged 2 years ago, but never set a date. Then in June 2016 decided to get married 3 months later. So I needed a wedding dress fast! I was looking online and found the perfect dress and contacted the people 3 times only to get the run around. So I searched for local designers and was very lucky to discover Hoax Couture. I showed Jim pictures of what I wanted and after 3 fittings and 2 months later my dress was made! And it was perfect! It's better than anything I could have bought from a store. I highly recommend getting your dress custom made (especially by Hoax Couture). That way it's one of a kind and just for you! If I ever need anything custom made, I will for sure be going back to ask Jim. read more

Jim and Chris did an amazing job with my wedding dress! I wanted something simple and elegant, and couldnt find it anywhere - everything i saw was covered with lace and beads and crinolines. They did a gorgeous, simple sheath in a 4 ply silk - and Jim spent a lot of time and energy to get every detail and the fit just right. Their studio is in a quirky place ( down graffitti alley - up a stair and through a garden) but once you get there it is a gorgeous, private salon where all the attention is on you and your outfit. You really get the feeling that they care and listen. It was surprisingly one of the most relaxing tasks of all the crazy things that had to be done for my wedding. Highly recommended. read more

I just picked up 4 beautiful custom made linen shirts from Jim and Chris at Hoax Couture. I love these shirts -- soft yellow, palest lavender, vivid green, and perfect red. The shirts are timeless and so flawlessly constructed I'm sure i will still be wearing them when I'm 80. Last year they made an impeccable 3-piece suit for my husband. From initial discussions, through choosing fabrics and first fittings to picking up the finished garments, working with these two smart, sensitive, lovely guys has been a pleasure. ...... and the costumes they created recently for James Kudelka's new ballet "House of Mirth" were exquisite! read more

These gentlemen are amazing! I brought a picture of 'the dress'...a very complicated pattern,and they made it up perfectly. Extremely skillful,great eyes for detail,and welcoming your input. Although I didn't see any reviews posted before I went,I could see from the internet that they had designed for the San Francisco Ballet and had worked with James Kudelka and I felt they MUST be good then. I never had a moment's doubt,and they more than fulfilled my expectations. Not only that,they work very efficiently and they are on time and they are really nice people as well. I couldn't recommend them more highly. ML read more

I contacted Jim at Hoax two months before a major event. I only knew the type of fabric I wanted used for a new ball gown, and nothing more. Timelines were tight, and expectations were high. Jim set up a time to meet and we worked beautifully together to design the entire look. The craftsmanship, quality and beauty of the finished product took my breath away. It was an incredible pleasure to work with Jim ... I look forward to more creations in the years to come!! read more

Amazing couturiers and very, very patient with me. The details on the coat they made for me were really thoughtful and finally! A ladies coat with decent pockets on the inside! Great work and I'm looking forward to showing it off this Fall. Jim and Chris were really friendly, not pretentious at all, and the environment they have created as Hoax Couture is very cool. As someone else has commented - "Fashion Haven"! read more

I recently had a wedding dress made from Hoax Couture and it was absolutely beautiful. It turned out just the way I envisioned it. Perfect! I got so many compliments on it and it made me feel amazing on my wedding day. Defiantly recommend getting your dress made here, especially if you want something specific. Jim was great and easy to get along with. Great place :) read more