About The Dress Shop
Custom fashions made right in Carleton Place
We are located at 141 Bridge Street in Carleton Place – previously Remembrance Gift Shop, and prior to that, Cooks Department Store.
A new life has been brought to this historic landmark in Carleton Place. We’ve resurrected the original flooring to its utmost grandeur and given a fresh new outlook on the space. As most of you have noticed the space looks smaller; that is because we have made many renovations to not only include a space to showcase the latest fashions from our own designer but also to include a studio for her to be able to sew in-house. Such a unique and wonderful concept!
Like what you see on the rack, but it does not quite fit? No worries, our designer will gladly alter your piece. We offer hems, and minor alterations, included with our full priced items. You can also custom order any of the designs, in our in-house label, Dominica Maazur for the ticket price and be personally fitted with your choice of fabrics.
We use wonderful fabrics from Canada, that are not only luxurious but also very practical, as most everything in the shop is machine washable and very durable. We specialize in bamboo and carry several different weights of fabric to fit with the Canadian seasons.
We work to ensure your satisfaction with any of the in-house Dominica Maazur designs offered by our shop owner, and VERY talented designer, Olena Androschuk!
Meet the Maker
Our Designer, Olena Androschuk
The in-house designer, Olena Androschuk, was born in the Ukraine and grew up in a small rural village. After getting her degree in fashion design and technology from Kalynivka University, she spent time working in London, England for designers Tomas Stadjefski, Matthew Williamson and Bruce Olfeild. In Ottawa she has worked for designers Richard Robinson and Muriel Dombret.
Born and raised in the Ukraine, Olena first developed her love for sewing, while making doll dresses alongside her grandmother. While working in London, she met her future husband, who was from Munster, Ontario.
It was small-town-Canadian-boy falls in love with European-city-girl, and convinces her to move here! After having her two boys, this momtrepreneur started her own label, named after her grandmother, Dominica Maazur. She started bringing her first small collections to local farmer’s markets, before deciding to open her own shop, along with the support of her husband and sons.
Olena chose Carleton Place, Ontario, as home to her design studio, after discovering the quaint charm of the town; she loved its scenic beauty and friendliness. The Dress Shop was opened in 2013.
The shop has quickly become known as the gem of Carleton Place, and a fashion hub for the Ottawa Valley. The beloved label boasts of high quality design and materials. All fabrics are made in Vancouver and Montreal. Mainly natural fibres are used, and custom alterations are offered, free of charge.