About
Deb Nations, Artisan Tailoress
Intrigued as a child growing up in the Midwest working on her dad’s Singer sewing machine, engaged Deb’s love of design and tailoring. They later developed through her years at the Fashion Institute of Technology where she specialized in Bridal and Evening wear. After graduation, where she wore her own self-designed wedding gown down the runway for her senior thesis project, Deb landed her first fashion job in NYC at the bridal and evening wear house of Amsale. During her tenure, Amsale grew from a small collection of seamstresses to one of the most internationally sought after bridal designers with a flagship salon on Madison Avenue, all with Deb prominently at her side. Working as her technical designer, production manager and in-house fitter, Deb furthered her industry education and her passion for the intricate construction and elegance of special occasion gowns and this is where she first met and worked with Mark Ingram. When Mark opened his own bridal and evening wear salon in Manhattan in 2002, he asked Deb to collaborate and serve as an alteration specialist for his store, knowing her expertise on one-of-a-kind gowns from designers such as Caroline Herrera, Elie Saab and Vera Wang.
Two years ago, Deb fortuitously met Rachel Sweebe, a tailoress and designer in her own right and owner of Bridal Atelier Montclair in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. Rachel’s one-bride-at-a-time model was a perfect match for Deb’s impeccable construction skills. In 2018 Deb established Alteration Atelier, her own salon, fulfilling a lifetime goal. Alteration Atelier allows Deb the opportunity to servicing private clients as well as Mark Ingram Atelier and Bridal Atelier Montclair’s discerning clientele.
Today, Deb’s skills are sought after by personal clients, upscale salons and designers from all over the globe. She has been the technical design consultant for internationally acclaimed Bridal Designers Peter Lagner (recent recipient of Vogue Europe) Magazine’s Lifetime achievement award and Matthew Christopher. Deb annually consults on new collections and corrects pattern making/fit details for Matthew’s original designs.
Deb lives in Teaneck, New Jersey with Gus, her husband of 30 years and their two children Gus IV and Lydia Ann. In her spare time, Deb likes tent camping on the coast of Maine or making intricate holiday cards with family friends.
“I have been professionally associated with Deborah Nations for my entire bridal career…which is 24 years! Deborah is an amazing talent and I could not have more confidence in her abilities as a dressmaker and tailoress. I look forward to the next 24!”
Mark Ingram, Owner of Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier, NYC
Contact us.
I would love to be part of your story. Feel free to contact me. I would be happy to share my artisan skills to create a dream fit for your special occasion garment.