When Mira Horoszowski opened Mira Couture in 1970, she focused on bespoke womenswear and eveningwear, adding other designers only as the business grew. For decades, Horoszowski outfitted brides on Chicago’s North Shore with heirloom wedding and special occasion gowns—unforgettable pieces that remain part of local family histories. “It’s not unusual for a bride to come in and share stories of their mother or grandmother having their wedding gown made by Mira,” says current owner Julie Mersine Romeli, who joined the business in 2011.
With a fashion degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and extensive experience in bridal design, Romeli has continued the boutique’s dual approach, stocking gowns from Marchesa, Half Penny London, Martina Liana, John Paul Ataker, and other designers alongside custom design options. “To have both of these options—the option to order a designer gown, and the option to custom design anything you’d like, as well as everything between—right at your fingertips, is truly what makes us a level above any other bridal boutique or custom design house,” says Romeli. “The possibilities are endless, which is why we like to say, at Mira Couture, you can dream your dress to life.”
It’s not unusual for a bride to come in and share stories of their mother or grandmother having their wedding gown made by Mira.
Romeli is reveling in current ballerina-meets-bridal trends, incorporating scoop necklines, corset details, basque waists, lace, and tulle into contemporary styles. “The shapes and volume you can create with tulle is limitless: Tulle can be classic and it can be avant garde,” she says. “I absolutely adore lace, too—from a super-delicate Chantilly lace under soft ruching silk netting to a full Alencon ballgown with mirrored-pattern detailing, this may be one of my favorite wedding trends in a long time.”
In addition to in-house tailoring and mother-of-the-bride or -groom gowns, the salon also offers headpieces, jewelry, veils, bags, jumpsuits, mini-dresses, and other wedding day must-haves. Romeli recommends coming to a styling appointment well-prepared: bring shapewear, a hair clip (if you’re planning a wedding-day updo), inspiration photos, a mood board, and anything—or anyone—else you need to make a decision. “My best advice would be for brides to come prepared to find ‘the one,’” she says. “Meaning if you cannot say yes to dress without including your sister, make sure she’s here for your first appointment. Financially, have everything ready to say yes on the spot. That magical moment when you find your dress is so extremely special—you definitely want to end your shopping experience on that high note!”
Details
Years in Business: 55
Number of Designers: 20
Size Range Available: 8-14
Appointment Type: By appointment, with other shoppers in the store at the same time; Mira Couture also offers private two-hour long appointments
Number of Guests: 1-3
Appointment Length: One hour, with the option to book a private two-hour appointment
Average Dress Cost: $5,000 to $7,500
Additional Offerings: In-house tailoring, veils, additional accessories, mother-of-the-bride and -groom dresses, and pre- or post-wedding outfits
Designers Available at Mira Couture
- Dana Harel
- Kim Kassas
- Netta Benshabu
- Georges Hobeika
- Eisen Stein
- Marchesa
- Half Penny London
- Hermione de Paula
- Marco y Maria
- Eden Aharon
- Nadia Manjarrez
- Margot
- Martina Liana
- Paloma Blanca
- Mikaella
- Neta Dover
- Calla Blanche
- Frascara
- Audrey + Brooks
- John Paul Ataker
Upcoming Events
Mira Couture is hosting the following events over the next few months. Please check back for more and/or confirm these dates with the salon.
- April 11 - May 10: Dana Harel Trunk Show
- May 16-26: Kim Kassas Trunk Show
- June 6-16: Eden Aharon Trunk Show
- June 20-28: Eisen Stein Trunk Show
- July 18-26: Netta Benshabu Trunk Show
- October 17-25: Eden Aharon Trunk Show
