Julia Studer
OWNER/BRIDAL TAILORING SPECIALIST
Julia Studer has always loved creating, taking raw elements and turning them into something beautiful and functional. After struggling to find dresses that fit for high school dances (and fit within her budget), she decided to just sew them herself. Julia then continued on to graduate with honors in Apparel Design and Merchandise Management from Oregon State University. With a desire to create clothing that fit real women, Julia went into the field of alterations, where she learned fitting techniques and obtained a skill set for impeccable sewing and garment construction. The most beautiful dress is worthless unless the fit is just as perfect.
After working for four years in bridal alterations and designing the coat label GaRey in the winters out of her basement, Julia opened her own studio in 2012. Cloth and Canvas showcased her own designs along with other Portland makers. By midyear she realized she was doing more alterations than selling clothes and genuinely enjoyed the alteration process more. In January 2013 Julia changed her business to Silhouette, a women’s tailoring boutique and design studio. The satisfaction of seeing a client’s face when they put on a newly altered garment and it actually fits, is the best feeling.
Greatest sewing achievement:
“Designing and sewing my leather jacket in 2011. It was crazy walking into Oregon Leather and purchasing an entire cow hide. But I learned a ton and it still fits me like a glove!”
Favorite part of alterations:
“Getting to work on designer garments. There is a thrill you only get with seam ripping Dior, Lanvin, Prada, and Chanel.”
Favorite Portland restaurant:
“My husband and I go to Grain and Gristle at least once a month. They have the best burger in town and their seasonal salads are always amazing.”
Fun Fact:
“I have never been into an H & M, and I don’t plan on it.”