Dore Designs was founded in 1979 in sunny and tropical Cape Coral, FL.  Dorothy Salcedo started in a back bedroom by designing and sewing a shirt for her dance teacher son, Carlos Salcedo.  It grew from there into a successful ballroom gown design company servicing dancers from coast to coast.  Dorothy was known for her love of beautiful fabrics, her stylish and artistic approach to design and her determination to provide a top quality product to the marketplace.  She went into semi-retirement in the early 1990's to persue her other love, painting.  Her paintings hang in museums, churches and homes all over the US.  We are proud to have her artistic background and design asthetic as part of our history.

In 2007, Dore was purchased by Dawn Smart, who had been a part of the company for many years.  We have gone through many changes, a beautiful new location, added staff and equipment, new capabilities and an incredible group of Stylists/Representatives scattered throughout the world to bring our beautiful gowns right to you.  All of our pieces are one of a kind, couture made on a body form in the oldest form of dressmaking.....practically a lost art.  We can design for you where ever you are, if you can dream it, we can make it.  Our fabrics are phenomenal, sourced from the ends of the earth.  We use high end knits and the best silks available.

Dore Designs now makes not only Ballroom Gowns, but also, menswear including suits and tailsuits, pageant gowns, ice skating dresses, theatrical costumes and soon a separate line of couture evening wear.  We have skated in the Olympics, danced on tv and now are featured on "So You Think You Can Dance".

We hope your browsing experience is a positive one and our staff stands ready to assist you in your every need.  Happy Shopping!