About Us

The art of tailoring has become a lost tradition carried on today by very few masters. Bernardo, of Bernardo's in Mishawaka, is one such master. Located in a spacious and elegant two-story building in the heart of the retail district Bernardo's began in 1981 as a basement enterprise with just two sewing machines. Today, Bernardo continues the tradition of his old world family, preserving the lost art of tailoring, while evolving his store to meet the needs of today's customer.

Bernardo's Story

Not many people these days start a career at the age of 13. But Bernardo did. He became an apprentice to a master tailor in his home country, a tradition carried on by several members of his family. And he learned from the best.

At age 30, Bernardo immigrated to the United States with few resources. One of his first employers was Gilbert’s, the most reputable men’s store in the area at the time. Bernardo served Gilbert’s customers as a member of the tailoring staff, which hailed from many points of the globe.

When Gilbert’s went out of business in the late 1980s, Bernardo continued providing tailoring services out of the basement of his home. His only capital was two sewing machines that served him well in those early years.

In 1988, Bernardo opened a retail location in the Town & Country Plaza, focusing primarily on tailoring and custom-made clothing. Because his customers were constantly bringing in tuxedos that were ill-fitted by others, Bernardo decided to go into the tux business himself. “When nobody can do it, they come to me,” he says.

Also at this time, he was busy doing men’s and ladies alterations. As his reputation grew, Bernardo began carrying what is considered the cream of the crop in men’s clothing: Hart Shafter & Marx, and Joseph Abboud Those lines today are complemented by garments from more affordable, yet still high quality, clothiers such as Kenneth Cole, Austin Reed and Chaps by Ralph Lauren. Bernardo offers these lines at very competitive prices.

Bernardo is fond of saying that there’s “the easy way and the right way.” It is a saying that is aptly applied to the lost art of tailoring. But though Bernardo carries on this tradition, he has remained attuned to the signs of the times and has evolved his store accordingly to meet customers’ needs.

To complement the tuxedo business, Bernardo has opened a new store called Bernardo's for the Bride. Featuring wedding gowns by Casablanca, Eden, Maggie Sottero, Impression & Davinci. Prom dresses by Alyce, Cassandra Stone, Xcite, Night Moves & LaFemme. Bernardo's for the bride also carries Bridesmaids dresses by Raylia, Impressions, Davinci, MaKenzie Michaels & Eden. Additionally Bernardo's for the bride also Carries shoes, jewelry, veils, flower girls & social occasion dresses.

Bernardo has gained such an excellent reputation in the area that many people assume the store is too exclusive for their tastes and budget. The truth is that as a Bernardo customer, you won’t necessarily pay more, but you will receive more.

That “something more” comes in the form of a highly knowledgeable, experienced staff. Bernardo and his staff are constantly researching suppliers, fabric, materials and all things associated with clothing. It’s what has solidified the store’s reputation…and kept clients coming back for more. Visit Bernardo’s today!