Bespoke Gown Design Procedure

It is never straightforward to choose an outfit for a particular social event; Wedding(s), a day at the Races, an evening out, or even then the office Christmas party. However, with a little professional help we can make it easier for you.
Please allow plenty of time in advance for made to measure outfits. Ours is a handmade process which requires plenty of time and patience. There may also be a waiting lists.
 
Important details which need mentioning before choosing a made to measure outfit:
- Without the right underwear no dress designer or dressmaker will consider starting your order.
- Without the right accessories and hairstyle you will look ‘unfinished'.
- Without the right shoes …what can we say? Bare feet are in Vogue…!

UNDERWEAR

These days you have plenty of choice from when it comes to underwear; different Styles, Colour and Brand names. Choosing the right lingerie sometimes proves a mammoth job. Our advice is to keep it simple. Try to match the colours of your bra for example with a fabric swatch from your future gown. If in doubt about colours, shape, fit and style please see a specialist in one of the underwear shops, to avoid embarrassment later.
 If you have a simple gown in mind, one that is close fitting with no trims, then forget about fancy embroidery or lace underwear. It will only show through.

ACCESSORIES & HAIRSTYLE

Accessories and hairstyle are very important to the finished look. They are the final touch that can result in you, either fabulous or a disaster! Hairstyle is simple. Take a few close ups with your gown or the sketch to your hairstylist and describe it as much as you can. A professional hairstylist will know immediately what suits you, and what doesn't. If he or she starts mumbling and grumbling, change the stylist. A successful day/evening requires a good hairstyle which complements your outfit.
 
Sometimes you may find ‘the right' accessories before the dress. That is a challenge! It is not easy, but not the end of the world either. Take the accessories to your consultation with the dress designer and take it from there.
 
On the other hand if you like to keep things easy and straight forward then remember gown first, accessories second. Make your life less stressful.

SHOES & HATS

With the shoes everything depends on you. We all know the feeling of an half an hour with a tight pair of shoes or too high heels. Do not compromise; never accept uncomfortable shoes under any circumstances. You will suffer and the pain will show all over your face!
 
If the social event requires a hat, then it is essential that the colour of the shoes matches the colour of the hat. If they don't then the purse or the clutch should have a bit of both colours for balance. Keeping the hat and the shoes in tone with the outfit is quite important, otherwise again you will look not quite right.

EXTRAS

If time permits please try the whole thing in front of a full length mirror a day before you are going out. This will give you time to see if anything needs changing or improving. It will also give you time if something is missing to rush to the first shop and get it, like not having the right colour tights.
 
 If time is a problem for you then you should prepare your ‘package' a night before the event. It will be much easier to get ready in time and try to ‘Don't rush'. Take your time. By rushing you will only catch your tights with your finger nails or a ring, or you might break your heel …anything can happen, because your mind is set on ‘how late you are' rather then on yourself and your appearance. And you will forget your mints, keys or mobile!
Oh! And putting lipstick on in the drivers mirror is never good news!

CONSULTATION

The purpose of the consultation is to determine the most appropriate outfit (including accessories, shoes, hat, etc) for you. For example, if you are attending a specific function or event at a particular time of year, these factors will be important in deciding on the design.
However, you should also consider whether the bespoke outfit you have in mind should be appropriate to wear again in the future.

We will take into consideration a wide range of criteria and preferences, including colours, fabrics, styles or lines which flatter your shape, accessories, hairstyle and, of course, budget.
 
In concluding we will provide further ideas and tips where possible.

DESIGN/MEASUREMENTS

Based on the information collected in the consultation session we will sketch your future gown. This may take a few minutes or even a few days, depending on the complexity of the gown. If few minutes are necessary then we can proceed to the next step, the fabrics and the trimms.
 
Once a decision has been made on which fabrics to use then we can start with the measurements. This can take up to 20 minutes, depending on the type and line of the gown. We will start with the Chest, Bust, Waist and Hips and finish with sleeves and length.
 
Please note that we cannot proceed to the measurement stage unless you are wearing the right underwear. (i.e. underwear you are going to wear with the finished gown). This will be required to ALL fitting sessions.

1. FIRST FITTING

A mock-up dress will be made out of cotton or muslin based on all the information gathered at the consultation and the design/measurements session.
 
The first fitting comprises trying on the cotton or muslin dress mock-up. We will remind you that if you don't feel comfortable with a particular line or cut this is the moment to say so, otherwise it will be too late.

2. SECOND FITTING

Once you are satisfied with the first fitting then we can proceed to cut the fabric using the cotton or muslin pieces as a pattern.
 
The second fitting will be with the half completed gown.
 
Decisions regarding haberdashery have to be final. For any additional changes we will apply a fee due to the time consuming and nature of haberdashery work.

3. THIRD FITTING/FINISHED GOWN

Providing that the second fitting satisfactory, this should be the final fitting of the completed outfit.
 
If adjustments are still necessary, another fitting will be arranged.