Julie Fehler, co-owner and design maven. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati fashion design program and a veteran of the Chicago fashion scene (you may remember her designs from Made to Fit), Julie has a way with line, texture, and a sassy detail that can make a strong woman weep. In 2003 she decided to turn her talents to bridal, talked her friend Holly into joining her, and voila! Dame Couture was born. Her motto: “Life is short—you might as well wear what you want.”

Holly Greenhagen, co-owner and production manager. Holly started her professional life with a journalism degree from Northwestern, but in a mid-20s life crisis decided to chuck her job for a stint at the Fashion Institute of Merchandising and Design in LA. Holly thinks of dresses as small feats of engineering, and she loves to make it happen; give the girl a tape measure and watch her go! Her motto: “Vee haf vays of making it fit!”

Daniela Chaidez, assistant pattern wench. Actually, Daniela’s about as far from a wench as you can get: she’s organized, polite, and brings cookies. Her motto: “Measure twice, cut once.”

Maureen Sullivan, gal Friday. In addition to keeping the lovely Dame Couture studio running like clockwork, Maureen is currently studying both fashion design and burlesque dance. Ask her about her Miss Road Rocket title.