The process of making the bespoke garment of your dreams – whether it be a spectacular wedding gown, an exquisite evening dress or a series of bridesmaid dresses – is a lot more intricate than most people take into account. In fact you could say that any custom fitted garment is a great deal more than the sum of it’s parts. I take the greatest care to make sure that every aspect of your garment be made to the highest quality. For example, sourcing the right selection of fabrics to choose from may involve requesting several samples from manufacturers or visiting multiple shops. Then, there is the consultation and design phase that may involve extensive re-draws until the final design is reached. Next follows the actual article, but more often than not there’s a replica made of cheap fabric in order to adjust the fit perfectly to your unique body shape. Only once that is achieved do I actually make your garment…
As a guide I’ve laid out the steps take to achieve that ideal article. Normally the steps detailed below carry through smoothly and there is no requirement to repeat any of them, but occasionally additional visits are required. In order to make your wonderful garment I follow these steps:
1. Initial consultation – I sit down with you and discuss ideas, options, fabrics and create drawings. This may take multiple meetings and/or emails. Once agreed upon, detailed measurements are taken and an estimated price (generally very close to final price) for your garment is determined. A deposit of 50% of the agreed price is paid at that time.
2. Toile fitting – Fit adjustments are made on the body to a test article made of a similar fabric to the final garment.
3. Silk fitting – the garment is made in the final fabric and any further adjustments are made.
4. Collection and final fit – The garment is worn and checked over. If we’re both happy with everything; it’s ready. All that’s left is to wrap up your new couture garment and make final payment.