In 2012, Guadalupe Dufour started a home-based business for the second time in her life, fitting garments mostly for brides and grads and creating her own designs. A new name: Perfect Fit for Brides & Grads (previously known as Perfect Fit Sewing & Alterations), reflects the direction her endeavour has taken in the years since.
“My designs were selling faster than I could make them, so I decided to bring in a number of designer dresses for brides and grads,” explains Guadalupe. “The pandemic helped me as people were reluctant to go out of town for shopping.”
She heard from brides-to-be and high school graduates about how exciting it was to find similar dresses locally as they found when looking online.
“Seeing how the dress looks on their body and not worrying about whether the right style was ordered, or that the colour favoured their skin tone, these are the stories I heard often,” says Guadalupe. “As far as I know, no one else sells formal dresses locally. The dream dress is here and ready to try on!”
Shopping in the big city can be exciting for some, but it has its drawbacks, she adds.
“Being tied to a ferry schedule doesn’t allow time to shop until you drop, unless you’re able to afford lengthy accommodation and travel expenses,” says Guadalupe. “Perfect Fit for Brides & Grads carries the same brand of dresses as in the city and usually at the same or a better price.
“My goal is to help people find the perfect dress for their big occasion. I understand how important the right dress is for a high school graduate, similarly for a bride, mother of the bride and bridesmaids.”
The 2023 collection of dresses will be available soon. Guadalupe suggests grads contact her early to avoid setting their hearts on a specific design and finding out later that their size and/or colour is no longer available.
“By having me measure and calculate their size, they can avoid major alterations,” she says. “Bodies come in different shapes and sizes and very few people are lucky enough to have the industry-ideal body. If you purchase your dress at Perfect Fit, your alterations are my priority.
“Before you go out of town, or take a chance with an online order, you have an option right here, in our town. You also have my expertise and undivided attention in helping you choose the dress of your dreams.”
Guadalupe was born in El Salvador, where she designed and produced her own line of clothing.
“My mother and her sister were sewers and growing up around them was an inspiration; that got me started sewing,” she says. “I continued my passion, went to a fashion design college and started my own business.”
She came to Canada in 1986 and has lived in Powell River since 1993. Her current collection includes unique styles and quality handcrafted gowns such as layered tulle, laced, sequin and sparkles, classic sophistication, feather statement, elevated glam, gala evenings and more. Dresses from petite to plus sizes not only fit customers, but are carefully designed for a variety of body types.
“This is where my experience as a pattern designer comes in handy because I understand body types, sizing and designs that help enhance your assets and minimize what you don’t want to show,” explains Guadalupe. “I’m able to help personalize the design of your chosen dress.”
For the month of August, a 30% OFF SALE applies to the entire stock.
“One more thing clients appreciate is that I offer only one dress in any style, and I keep track of grad dresses for Brooks Secondary School, so you won’t find anyone else wearing the same style of the same brand I sell,” she adds.
Appointments after-hours and on weekends can be accommodated in a private and relaxed, home-based business environment.
“Stay tuned through my Facebook page (facebook.com/perfectfitsewing) and Instagram, call or text me at 604.483.1800, or email [email protected] to arrange your private viewing and consultation, and feel free to bring a friend or family a member.”
