Gown Cleaners Directory
Cameo Cleaners of Gramercy Park
284 Third Ave., nr. 22nd St.; 212-677-3949; cameocleaners.comOwner Jerry Pozniak’s well-trained eye can identify and treat just about any stain ($500 to $1,500). In fact, he handles the Met Opera’s entire wardrobe. Free pickup and delivery in Manhattan.
Chris French Cleaners
57 Fourth Ave., at 9th St.; 212-475-5444; chriscleaners.comManhattan brides bring gowns from practically every designer to be cleaned here (though service can be hit or miss). A dress takes about four to six weeks, but French claims he can rush it in one to three weeks ($375 to $700).
Fashion Award Cleaners
2205 Broadway, nr. 78th St.; 212-289-5623These thorough cleaners use UV light to catch invisible stains that would show up as yellow spots years from now. They suggest allowing eight weeks for cleaning (from $600). No storage; pickup and delivery are free for both the East and West sides.
Hallak Cleaners
1232 Second Ave., nr. 65th St.; 212-879-4694; hallakcleaners.comDepending on the gown, Hallak will use one of five methods to clean it. They can do a turnaround in a week for those in a hurry, but the average time frame is three to four weeks (from $475). Pickup and delivery are available, and shipping is free.
J. Scheer & Co.
6 E. 74th St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-570-1511; jscheer.comTrained in textile science, owner Jonathan Scheer is a master at fabric preservation. He subjects what passes through his doors to a battery of tests to determine how best to clean it ($395 to $795). Free pickup, delivery, and shipping.
Madame Paulette
1255 Second Ave., nr. 66th St.; 877-268-8873; madamepaulette.comPicture someone on his hands and knees with a cotton swab and magnifying glass—that’s the level of scrutiny one can expect here. Jobs take six to eight weeks (from $600), but under special circumstances dresses can be done in 24 hours. Tailoring services are available.
Meurice Garment Care
31 University Pl., nr. 9th St., 212-475-2778; 245 E. 57th St., nr. Second Ave., 212-759-9057; 20 Park Ave., nr. Plandome Rd., Manhasset, N.Y., 516-627-6060; garmentcare.comBrides longing to wear their great-grandmother’s dress bring their gowns here for white-glove treatment, which includes restoration (from $624), alteration (from $25), reconstruction (from $1,500), and cleaning and preservation (from $411).
Slate NYC
96 Morton St., nr. Washington St.; 800-573-8459; slatenyc.comManhattan brides planning green weddings get their gowns cleaned here ($99 to $899 with pickup and delivery), where earth-friendly, skin-safe, biodegradable detergent and hydrocarbon technology are strategically used to rid fabric of residue and odor before or after the big day.
From the Winter 2008 New York Wedding Guide