Avoid Bride and Co Rivonia - Especially Alterations

This review details a severely disappointing experience with Bride and Co. Rivonia regarding the purchase and subsequent alteration of an emerald evening gown. While this incident occurred just over a year ago, the frustration and dissatisfaction remain significant.

I initially identified a dress I greatly admired. I was informed by the sales associate that while my size was not immediately available, one was located at the Cape Town branch and could be shipped to the Rivonia branch. I explicitly communicated my upcoming absence from the country and confirmed that I would purchase the dress upon my return. On the Friday before my return, I contacted the Rivonia branch to confirm the dress's arrival, which they assured me it had.

Upon arriving at the branch on the agreed-upon Tuesday, I was shocked to discover that the dress was not there. Despite my prior confirmation, I was met with the manager's repeated and unhelpful response: "There is no dress in your size." This dismissive response was particularly troubling given the subsequent revelation from the sales associate who had initially assisted me. She confided that the dress had indeed arrived but was sold to another customer while she was on leave. This discrepancy between the manager's statements and the actual events is deeply concerning and suggests a deliberate attempt to conceal the error. The lack of accountability and transparency displayed by the manager was profoundly upsetting.

My disappointment at the potential loss of this dress, which I had grown very fond of, was considerable. In an attempt to salvage the situation, I agreed to purchase the dress in a size two sizes larger, based on Bride and Co.'s assurance that complimentary alterations would be provided. This proved to be another source of significant frustration.

The initial alteration was far from satisfactory; the dress remained significantly ill-fitting. A second alteration attempt also failed to achieve the desired fit, and my specific requests regarding the alterations were not addressed. Furthermore, the zipper was visibly bent and malfunctioning. Despite assurances that the zipper had been replaced, it was clear upon inspection that this was not the case. The stitching was also incomplete at the zipper. A third alteration was then proposed, this time with additional charges. At this point, my frustration reached its peak, and I opted to take the dress home in its unsatisfactory condition.

This experience has continued to be a source of disappointment. This R4000 dress remains unworn due to the inadequate alterations and likely cannot be further altered without significantly compromising its original design. The combination of the initial miscommunication, the manager's misleading statements, and the repeated failures in the alteration process has resulted in a deeply negative experience with Bride and Co.

I will likely not support their business in future.