New Bridal Salon in Smíchov: Lidia Krejčí Makes Brides' Dreams Come True

Why did you decide to open a bridal salon? Did you have any experience sewing wedding dresses in the past?

I have been sewing for over 15 years, and the idea of sewing wedding dresses was born about 10 years ago. I come from Ukraine, where I gained my first experience sewing wedding dresses. After moving to the Czech Republic, I worked in a sewing workshop where I made overalls, which did not fulfill me. Even then, I wanted to open my own bridal salon, but the circumstances were not suitable.

Do you rent or sell dresses? Do you make custom-made dresses?

Both, I sell and rent dresses. I pride myself on always fulfilling my customers' wishes down to the smallest detail. Sometimes a bride likes the skirt of one dress and the top of another, so I make a combination for her. Often, a bride comes with a picture from a magazine or the internet, and I sew the dress according to her wish. In addition to custom-made dresses, I am also the exclusive representative of the Anna Sposa Group brand, which you can find in my salon.

How long does it take to make a dress from request to completion?

Typically, it takes 3-6 months. Some brides have their wedding in just a month and need the dress very quickly. If it's within my time constraints, I try to accommodate them. It depends, of course, on the style of the dress; simpler dresses can be done more quickly.

What are the current trends in wedding dress design?

Clean lines, simplicity, and satin. Even if a bride wishes for lace dresses, simplicity is reigning supreme today; elaborate embellishments are not in demand. 

Do you offer any other products? Do you sew accessories for the dresses?

In addition to wedding and evening dresses, I also sew accessories such as boleros or vests. I am planning to sell jewelry and, in small quantities, shoes as well. 

Did you sell dresses online before opening the salon?

Customers often reach out to me through social media where they see my work, but it always leads to a personal meeting; there's no other way. Usually, several visits are needed before the dress is completed.

Why did you choose this less frequented location in Smíchov? What makes this space unique?

I've been living 50 km outside of Prague, and customers don't want to travel that far, so at the beginning of 2024, I started looking for a suitable space for the salon in Prague that would be easily accessible for both me and the brides. When I saw the Engel & Völkers ad for these spaces in Smíchov, I arranged a viewing. I immediately felt the spaciousness and harmony of the place; I knew right away that it was exactly what I was looking for. The historical building captivated me; it has a calm and intimate atmosphere, which is important for meetings with brides. Additionally, the communication with Gabriela Szőke was very friendly and open from the beginning.

What were your requirements for the space? Did it meet all your expectations from the beginning? Were any modifications needed?

I was looking for a space over 100 m². I wanted a room for wedding dresses and another for evening dresses, women's lingerie, and jewelry. I wanted the dresses to have their own space to stand out. We renovated the floor, the kitchenette, and painted the windows. I still want to install air conditioning and an acoustic system to ensure brides feel truly comfortable here.

How do you evaluate your cooperation with Gabriela Szőke from Engel & Völkers?

I most value the smooth process and easy communication; we easily agreed on everything. I wouldn't want to work with anyone else.

Do you plan to expand to other parts of Prague? Would you turn to us again?

I'm not planning to expand the salon at the moment, but there's a high demand for wedding dresses, and when someone opens a salon, they often open another soon after. However, I plan to rent space for my own sewing studio in Smíchov, and Gabriela will help me find the right place. Today, there's a high demand for corsets and other accessories, which requires a team of people.

What would you like potential customers to know about your salon? Why should a bride visit your bridal salon?

I never push anything. My goal is not just to sell a dress. I always try to understand the bride's wishes and feelings, how she wants to look on her wedding day, so she feels confident in the dress. It's important to me that the bride experiences complete satisfaction. Sometimes it's just about adjusting 1 cm on a rental dress, which she might overlook. But I want her satisfaction to be 100%, and I'm willing to fine-tune everything to the last centimeter.