OCTOBER 2018 • LONGISLANDPRESS.COM 45
FASHION
EN-TOTO COUTURE:
SAY YES TO THE DRESS!
BY RUTH BASHINSKY
After 50 years in business, En-Toto Couture continues
its tradition of bringing stunning one-of-a-kind
customized special occasion gowns to the community.
“People might come in and show us a picture of a
dress or something they saw on social media, and we
can make it from scratch for them,” says Sunny Merkar
of En-Toto Couture.
Patty, a dressmaker by trade, was the former owner of
three bridal and special occasion dress stores including,
Jovan Jr. located in Greenvale for 26 years. Ten years ago,
she joined En Toto Couture, as one of their lead designers
and salespeople.
“My passion is sewing. I love to create a dress that fits
my clients properly that they love. It gives me the reward
that is what I work for. It also makes me feel like I am part
of their special day.”
“It is not only beaded dresses we create but
any type of funky looking dress, lace dress, or
something made of chiffon,” says Merkar, who
also owns a factory in India manufacturing custom
beaded dresses that are available in forty
different colors that he sells at his boutique.
Floor-length dresses are classic and always
popular, but Merker has been seeing the highlow
style and cocktail dresses as some of the
latest trends.
Some of the designers’ creations they carry
include Paula Varsalona, Tina di Martina, Fouy
Chov, Jovani, Mon Cheri, and Ideas by Barbara, in addition
to their Enhances collection, a line that showcases
their intricate beading.
“Every bead on our dresses is sewn by hand,” says
Merkar, who uses a centuries-old hand-embroidered
technique called, Zardosi, popular in India, Iran, and
Pakistan. The ornate designs use gold and silver thread,
pearls, and precious stones.
“You may think that designing a dress takes only five
hours when it really takes 50 hours,” says Merkar. “It’s
very labor intensive, but all worth it when I see how
happy my client is.”
Earlier this month, En-Toto Couture had a trunk show
showcasing its latest custom-beaded gowns and other
collections, which they plan on doing monthly.
En-Toto Couture is located at 13 Glen Cove Rd.,
Greenvale. They can be reached at entotocouture.net
or 516-829-8503.
Photos by Ralph DePas.
Beaded and
sequin dress in
three-quarter
length with
stunning fringed
detail.
Zardosi
embroidered
dress with mesh
and tulle design.
Glamorous silver
and gold beaded
dress with
trumpet bottom.
Elegant midnight blue
gown with intricate
beading and sequin
detail on chiffon.