BESPOKE BRIDAL GOWNS – PROCESS

Custom, original and unique

1. Discuss – We have a chat about the styles you have seen, tried and like. We always encourage brides to bring along images from social media, magazines, or pinterest to show us just what they have in mind.
2. Design – Armed with all the details from the design consult, a few designs are developed along with visual imagery to illustrate the design direction
3. Refine – The designs are discussed with the bride, we refine the details, shape and form based on the bride’s feedback. At this point we can also briefly discuss fabrications. We also take the brides measurements at this point.
4. Develop – Once the design has been finalised, it is handed over to the Master patternmaker who creates the first patterns of the chosen design and the specifications to sew the design.
5. Toile – The first patterns are sent to the cutter for cutting in a calico or suitable fabrication for the design. The cut work is passed onto the Head machinist and the first toile is sewn.
6. Fit & Alter – The first fitting on the bride, where we check the fit, design lines and any special features of the initial development. We pin, draw and cut the toile where we require to modify and improve. Initial toile may only be the bodice or a very basic version of the design which is developed once the fit is corrected.

After the fitting, the patternmaker alters and develops the patterns, it is then sent to the cutter and onto the machinist for a second toile.

7. Fit & Alter #2 – The second fitting on the bride, we check the fit, design and proportions of the gown. We mark any adjustments and discuss with the bride any final adjustment required before we move onto the real gown. At this fitting we can also discuss and mark any special textile features that may be required.
8. Finalise fabrication and test where required – The gown design and patterns are finalised. The selected fabrics are tested and finalised to ensure suitability for the gown. At this point any special embroideries or lace are designed and sent for sampling.
9. Gown cut and developed – The finalised patterns are sent to the cutter and then onto the machinist for sewing the initial shell of the real gown.
10. Progress fitting – The shell of the gown, without any finishes in seams, is fitted on the bride, checked and altered where required.
11. Revise, alter, modify where required – The gown goes back to the machinist who makes any changes and then continues to sew the gown to the next stage.
12. Progress fitting / Evaluate and check – Progress fitting on bride
13. Gown sewn to pre lining – Gown is sewn to the pre lining stage, here special laces, embroideries or applique are started and placed onto the gown by the designer.
14. Progress fitting / Evaluate and check – Progress fitting on the bride
15. Gown sewn to pre completion – Gown is sewn with the lining but not completed internally
16. Progress fitting / Evaluate and check – Pre completion fit on the bride, we evaluate the finishes and any special applications – applique and embroideries.
17. Gown sewn to completion – Gown is sewn to completion
18. Final fitting – Final fitting on the bride with the completed gown
19. Pressed and packaged – Any small details or hand work are completed; the gown is pressed / steam ad packaged
20. Pick up – The custom gown is collected 1 -2 weeks prior to the wedding, or a date specified by the bride.