We have a lot of similar challenges and we learn from each other and lift each other up. When I was young, I never said to myself, ‘I want to be a bridal seamstress when I grow up.’ And I think we can get to a place where that becomes part of the consciousness of the next generation. I want to reach that person who’s on the fence wondering if they could make a living out of this. We are the ones jumping up and down shouting, ‘YES YOU CAN!’”
"Sometimes our work can be so isolating that even just communicating with other like-minded people is such a relief and a sense of validation.
The expertise behind Stitched Colletcive comes from decades of real work in the fitting room.
Melissa Lynn Oddo attended the Fashion Institute of Technology from 2003-2007 where she earned her AAS with a specialization in Tailoring and a BFA with a specialization in Ready-to-Wear. She also studied overseas at Polimoda in Florence, Italy from 2005-2006.
She founded her alterations business, deMelis Atelier in 2018 out of her home. It quickly grew into a commercial studio space offering alterations, creative direction and styling. In addition to her alterations work, she and her team offer vintage wedding dress redesign and upcycling and they recently introduced their trademark Bridal Bomber jacket.
Melissa also works closely with Beth Chapman, founder of The White Dress Society, where the pair frequently bring together bridal retailers and bridal seamstresses to further the industry. In 2021 she became the first Alterations business to be invited to be a member of The Bridal Council.
The rapid growth of her business, coupled with the challenges both she and her colleagues face made her realize that the sewing trades truly are a "lost art,” and inspired her to start Stitched Collective.
master bridal seamstress | educator | Founder, Stitched Collective
Meet Melissa
I founded Stitched Collective because bridal seamstresses deserved better than gatekept Facebook groups and closed doors. We deserve a real professional home.
Today Stitched Collective is that home for bridal sewing professionals across the country and the world. A place where the craft is celebrated, the business is taken seriously, and the next generation of seamstresses is being built.
Bridal sewing is a career worth choosing. I have spent my life proving it."
"bridal seamstresses are some of the most skilled professionals in fashion, and yet some of the most undervalued.
