Dressmaker’s eyes on business prize

By Melissa Meehan
FIVE years ago, Leah Sukroo was making dresses for friends in a barn in Pakenham. Now, she has two levels in Lonsdale Street, Dandenong, with a large showroom.
Last week, her business, Leah S Designs, was nominated for the Dandenong Premier Regional Business Awards.
Leah S Designs now captures the attention of brides and debutantes from around Victoria. It has focused on providing quality and value, and advertises that no bridal gown in the shop costs more than $899.
Ms Sukroo said she selected Dandenong because it was a hub for such a business. “We have people from as far as Gippsland calling me up after looking at our website,” she said. “It is important to constantly update, refine and expand our range. The customers love it.”
She said the business catered for sizes from 6 to 32 and could make anything to suit a customer’s needs.
“We have also recently developed two new product ranges,” Ms Sukroo said. “Leah’s Exclusive, a more upmarket range, and recently we have expanded our accessories range including veils, necklaces and shoes.”
Leah S Designs is working with the City of Greater Dandenong to promote the city as the bridal capital of Victoria.