The dressmaker who made hats.
One small workroom, a wall of wooden hat blocks, and a cutting table where every pattern is drafted by hand.
A modiste on a quiet lane.
A modiste is the old word for a dressmaker who also made hats: the person you went to for a whole outfit, fitted and finished. Modistlane brings that back. One small workroom, a wall of wooden hat blocks, and a cutting table where every pattern is drafted by hand.
We make a small number of pieces each season and fit every one, so what you receive is made for you, not a size chart.
"A dress should fit the way a good hat sits: without you having to think about it."
Fitted
Drafted from your own measurements.
Blocked
Hats shaped by hand on wooden forms.
Finished
Hand-sewn hems and linings.
Fittings, in person or on video.
Your first fitting is free with every made-to-measure order.
Book a slot
Send an enquiry with a few dates that suit you and we'll confirm a time.
Bring your shoes
Wear or bring the shoes you'll pair with your dress so we can set the hem.
Video fittings
Not nearby? We'll guide you through measuring over a short video call.
Second fitting
We fit the toile, then the finished piece, so everything sits just right.
Visit the lane.
Book your free first fitting, in person or over video. We reply within one business day.