Frequently Asked Questions
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECEIVE MY ORDER?
A: Our current production time frame is approximately 6-8 business weeks. This time frame includes the production of your gown and delivery to your address. Production schedules may vary throughout the year based on seasonal demand and production capacity. The most current timeline is displayed on each product page and in your order confirmation email.
Q: DO YOU OFFER RUSH ORDERS?
A: Rush Order spots may be available depending on current production capacity. Rush Orders are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis and may include additional fees. Please contact us prior to placing your order to confirm availability.
Q: CAN YOU GUARANTEE DELIVERY BY MY EVENT DATE?
A: We are happy to review your timeline prior to ordering and advise whether your event date is achievable. However, delivery guarantees cannot be provided due to factors outside of our control, including carrier delays, customs processing, weather conditions, and other unforeseen circumstances.
Q: MY ORDER IS WITHIN THE STATED PRODUCTION TIME FRAME. CAN YOU PROVIDE AN UPDATE?
A: Orders that remain within the quoted production timeframe are considered on schedule. While we understand the excitement surrounding your event, detailed production updates are generally unavailable until the gown has completed production and entered the shipping process. Clients will be notified as soon as their order is prepared for shipment.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF I ENTER THE WRONG EVENT DATE?
A: Production schedules are based on the event date provided at the time of ordering. Changes to your event date after production has begun may affect our ability to meet your timeline. Please carefully verify all dates before submitting your order.
Q: HOW DO I DETERMINE THE CORRECT SIZE?
A: We strongly recommend using measurements rather than age or standard clothing size. Measurements provide the most accurate fit and help avoid unnecessary alterations. If you need assistance selecting a size, please contact us before placing your order.
Q: DO YOU OFFER CUSTOM SIZING?
A: Yes. Most of our gowns can be made using your child's exact measurements. Custom sizing is recommended whenever measurements fall outside our standard size chart or between sizes.
Q: WILL A CUSTOM-SIZED GOWN REQUIRE ALTERATIONS?
A: Gowns made using the exact measurements provided by the client are designed to fit those measurements and typically do not require alterations. As with any garment, minor adjustments may occasionally be desired based on personal preference.
Q: CAN I ORDER A SAMPLE DRESS TO TRY ON?
A: Due to the made-to-order nature of our products, we do not offer sample gowns for try-on. Most of our clients customize their gowns, making sample programs impractical.
Q: CAN I CHANGE THE COLOR OF A DRESS?
A: Many of our gowns can be produced in alternative colors. Color availability depends on fabric availability and production capacity. Please contact us prior to placing your order to discuss your desired color.
Q: CAN YOU MATCH A SPECIFIC WEDDING OR EVENT COLOR?
A: We will do our best to locate fabrics that closely match your desired color palette. However, exact color matches cannot always be guaranteed due to fabric availability and dye lot variations.
Q: CAN I SUPPLY MY OWN FABRIC?
A: No. Our production partners work exclusively with fabrics sourced and approved through our established suppliers. Customer-supplied fabrics are not accepted.
Q: CAN YOU ADD SLEEVES OR MAKE MAJOR DESIGN CHANGES TO A DRESS?
A: Minor customizations may be available. However, structural changes such as adding sleeves, redesigning bodices, or substantially altering the original design are generally not offered. We recommend selecting a gown that already includes the desired design elements.
Q: WHERE ARE YOUR DRESSES MADE?
A: Our gowns are handcrafted in Europe by private couture garment ateliers specializing in luxury children's formal wear. For proprietary business reasons, we do not disclose the identities or locations of our production partners.
Q: ARE YOU BASED IN THE UNITED STATES?
A: Yes. Our customer care office and quality assurance studio are located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Q: DO YOU HAVE A SHOWROOM OR RETAIL STORE?
A: No. Miele Moda is an online-only boutique. We do not currently operate a public retail showroom. Our Pittsburgh location functions as an office and quality assurance studio only.
A: All correspondence at Miele Moda is by email. We do this to have a written account of requests, changes made, agreements, etc.. We do not want any misunderstandings as we value the importance of getting the order completed properly. Please feel free to email us any questions you may have.
Q: WHY DOES MY ORDER SHIP TO PITTSBURGH BEFORE COMING TO ME?
A: Every gown undergoes a second in-house quality assurance inspection at our Pittsburgh office before being packaged and shipped to the client. This additional quality control step helps ensure your gown meets our standards before delivery.
Q: CAN I HAVE THE TRACKING NUMBER FOR THE SHIPMENT FROM EUROPE TO PITTSBURGH?
A: No. Internal shipments frequently contain multiple client orders. For privacy and security reasons, internal tracking information is not disclosed. Clients receive tracking information once their individual order ships to them.
Q: CAN MY GOWN BE SHIPPED DIRECTLY FROM EUROPE?
A: In limited circumstances, direct shipment from Europe may be available. This option is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is generally reserved for situations involving tight international timelines.
Q: DO INTERNATIONAL CUSTOMERS (OUTSIDE THE USA) HAVE TO PAY IMPORT FEES?
A: Yes. All international customers are responsible for all duties, taxes, brokerage fees, and import charges assessed by their country's customs authorities.
Q: CAN MIELE MODA REDUCE OR WAIVE CUSTOMS CHARGES?
A: No. Customs duties, taxes, and import fees are determined by the destination country's government and are outside of our control.
Q: CAN THE GOWN BE DRY CLEANED?
A: We do not recommend dry cleaning. Dry-cleaning chemicals may damage delicate fabrics, lace, appliqués, beads, crystals, pearls, and other embellishments.
Q: HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY GOWN?
A: Spot clean using mild soap and water as needed. Allow the gown to air dry completely. Light steaming or pressing with a low- to medium-heat iron may be used when appropriate.
Q: HOW SHOULD I STORE MY GOWN LONG TERM?
A: Store the gown in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight. A garment bag is recommended to protect the gown while allowing fabrics to breathe.
Q: CAN I RETURN A CUSTOM-SIZED OR MADE-TO-ORDER GOWN?
A: Due to the personalized and made-to-order nature of our products, custom-sized and made-to-order gowns are generally non-returnable. Please review our policies carefully before placing your order.
Q: DO YOU OFFER WHOLESALE PRICING?
A: We offer wholesale opportunities for select retailers and boutiques. Please contact us directly with information about your business and the collection you are interested in carrying.
Q: HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS THE RETURN OF FAULTY ITEM(S)?
A: Please allow up to two weeks (14 Business Days) from the date you mail your item(s) back for your return to be processed—you will receive an email confirmation when complete.
Q: THE DRESS I ORDERED DOESN'T FIT. WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW?
A: Miscalculated sizes by the buyer are non-refundable. We list our sizes as accurately as possible by using industry standards as our guideline. If you have concerns about size, please contact us for additional measurements before placing your order. We only offer our standard refund if we mistakenly sent you the wrong size, ie, we sent you a size 2Y when you ordered a size 5Y. Faulty item must first be returned for a refund (Miele Moda E-Gift Card).
Q: I PLACED AN ORDER BUT I NO LONGER WANT IT. CAN I CANCEL MY ORDER?
A: We do not offer a refund due to cancellation or buyer’s remorse. Once the order is placed, either our custom work begins or our ordering process begins to bring in your item from our vendors. We cannot reverse these processes so we ask that you are 100% certain before placing your order.
Q: CAN I RETURN AN ITEM I PURCHASED ON SALE OR CLEARANCE?
A: We do not offer returns or refunds on these items. All Sale or Clearance items are final sales.
Q: I ORDERED SEVERAL DRESSES FOR MY CHILD TO TRY ON AND SELECTED ONE. I DON'T NEED THE REST. CAN I RETURN THE REST OF THE DRESSES?
A: As our items are personalized goods and are typically custom made or processed for each client, we do not accept returns if you change your mind or no longer need items you ordered. Due to the nature of our products, all sales are final.
Q: CAN I SHARE PHOTOS OF MY CHILD WEARING HER GOWN?
A: Absolutely! We love seeing our gowns worn for life's most special occasions. If you choose to share photos, please let us know whether we have permission to feature them on our website or social media channels with proper credit.