Bespoke or Couture?
Choices, choices
You’re entering a world where one-size-fits-all stays firmly on the hanger. So whatever you decide, one thing is certain: together, we’ll create a garment that compliments every nuance of your body.
What to expect, from top to toe
The steps below are not set in stone. They are merely a guide. The same goes for the time it takes to create a dress. I’d recommend up to six months. But every bride-to-be has different requirements, and it’s my job to do everything I can to accommodate them.
- The first step is easy: reach out to me by phone or email and let’s talk. I always find that a video call is a great way to break the ice and establish rapport.
- If you can’t reach me, leave a message and I’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
- If you want bespoke, we’ll arrange for you to visit the studio and try on one or several designs from the site. We’ll also take your measurements and discuss any alterations.
- Similarly, if you crave couture, we’ll arrange to meet in person to play around with different ideas and fabric choices. We’ll also use this opportunity to bring out the measuring tape.
- While bespoke requires an initial fitting to take measurements, then two to three fittings for alterations, couture needs multiple fittings during the creation of the garment.
- As soon as you’re happy with the design, I’ll send you an email with the details of your fitting – including drawings with swatches of your chosen fabrics. This gives you a chance to marvel at your creation, ask questions and ensure you’re completely satisfied. Better than that: over the moon. At which point, I’ll ask for a 50% non-refundable deposit to confirm your order.
- Then fabrics will be sourced, patterns drafted and the first toile – a cotton version of the garment – will be made in preparation for your initial fitting.
- The toile – and corset if we’re creating a strapless dress – will allow us to test the pattern and ensure everything fits to perfection. This is also when we’ll go through your fabric choices and refine every bit of the design stitch by stitch. Afterwards, I’ll pop the particulars in an email for you to check and confirm that you’re ready to proceed with the next fitting.
- Your second fitting will continue to build a more precise fit, this time using your actual fabrics. Rest assured, there’ll be enough excess left in the fabrics to allow us to make changes at this stage. And again, I’ll email you all the details when we’re done, to ensure you’re all smiles.
- I’d recommend a further two fittings after this. Beyond verifying original measurements, each fitting, carried out at different stages of the tailoring and sewing, will shape and perfect every millimetre of your unique vision. After that, we’ll email you to sign off the work and arrange a final check of your completed garment before you take it home.
Naturally, I’ll provide you with full care and travel instructions, along with garment bags and hangers. And if you’d like me to help out on the Big Day itself – to unpack, steam and prepare your dress – you only have to ask. Besides, I love a party.
