Hi, I’m Nga Vu. It is with great pleasure that I announce the opening of my sewing and tailoring shop N. Tailor located here in Lincoln. My story of dressmaking begins with my namesake, Aunt Nga, a well-known and respected seamstress in Vietnam. When I was a girl, I would sit next to my Aunt Nga in her sewing room to watch her sew and put together fine garments for people who preferred tailor-made outfits. Her skill in dressmaking fascinated me. What is more, I would see the joy in the eyes of her customers as they tried on the garments my Aunt Nga made for them. In her downtime, Aunt Nga taught young girls, including me, how to sew. I grew up helping her and, as a result, I inherited her craft in sewing and her love for fashion as well.
In 1991, my family moved to the United States. My father invested in a Kenmore sewing machine for me with the first check he earned on American soil. Not only did he have faith in me and my talent, his investment also made it possible for me to carry out Aunt Nga’s tradition. Needless to say, I will treasure always my father’s trust in my craft. I set out to learn more about fashion and design; in particular, the details that highlighted the beauty of bridal wear and formal dresses intrigued me. I developed a passionate desire to acquire skill in not only sewing them; in addition, designing and tailoring bridal wear interested me as well. In 1999, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Textile Clothing and Design from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. During the last year of my studies, I was awarded an internship as a seamstress and tailor at Sassi, the bridal boutique. The internship was a dream come true for me. Lisa Peterson, Sassi’s store manager, afforded me the chance to practice my craft. I dedicated my attention to the complex patterns that made a bridal gown and formal dress unique. The opportunity also allowed me to not only meet the brides and their bridal party; in addition, I learned of their wedding style choices as I tailored for them a perfect fit of their dream gown or formal dress. With this knowledge, I assisted them in making crucial decisions for their wedding day.

I learned a wealth of information about bridal wear at Sassi and, as I made alterations for the brides and her bridal party, I found that I developed an enthusiastic interest in tailoring, especially for business and casual wear and menswear. In 2001, another opportunity presented itself to me. The Von Maur specialty department store opened here in Lincoln, and I was hired as a Master Tailor for that business. There, I refined my sewing and tailoring techniques. I worked with experienced seamstresses, and we double-checked each other’s workmanship before any garment reached the customer. This teamwork helped me to raise my standard of workmanship.
In 2009, I decided to stay home with my children after the birth of my third child; yet, I worked from home on my craft and as a seamstress and tailor for Joffe’s boutique. Today, I am an independent seamstress for Ellynne Bridal. It is an honor to help all of the brides and bridesmaids who patronize the shop as I create, redesign, restyle, and tailor different designer gowns for them. Even more special, I feel blessed to have met Lynne Rustad, the owner who, on August 4, 2017, sadly lost her battle with cancer. I imagine, however, that her spirit is always with the staff and me at Ellynne Bridal.

As I reflect on my experiences in fashion and design in the bridal industry—the first that began in my Aunt Nga’s sewing room—I am certain that all of the training I received in university and at the bridal salons granted me the good fortune to cultivate my talent in the intricacies of bridal gown couture, such as sizing the corset and applying beading, sequins, lace, and tulle.
Now, with the support of my family and a company of talented seamstresses and tailors, I am ready to begin a new adventure with the opening of my own shop, N. Tailor. I understand that meeting every deadline for your special day is of utmost importance. As an N. Tailor customer, I guarantee you that my staff and me are well-rehearsed in offering you efficient planning, premium customer service, professional advice, and, above all, fine craftsmanship.

My story is a testament to my dedication to my craft from my Aunt Nga’s sewing room to N. Tailor. I welcome the opportunity to consult with you on how I can help you feel and look your best in everything you wear. You have my personal invitation to visit me and my staff here at N. Tailor.

Nga Vu