Frequently Asked Questions.
1. Why should I have my dress made, rather than buy off-the-peg?
• My gowns are designed specifically for you, the client
• Each dress is individually made to your requirements
• Your dress will be an exclusive design
• Complete freedom and flexibility in choice of colours and materials
• Sized perfectly for you, whatever your size and not adjusted from a standard size (after all, who is really a standard size?)
• A toile (a mock-up in calico) is made of your dress, to ensure a perfect fit, before it is made up in silk
Follow The Design Process to see what is involved in having a dress designed and made exclusively for you. If you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to call me.
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2. Can you advise me on what fabric to choose?
Yes. I have an extensive catalogue of fabric samples and I will advise you on the fabric suitable for your style of dress and also the colour best suited for your skin type.
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3. What is a toile?
• A toile is a mock up of a dress made from calico or cotton, to get the exact shape and style features correct, before cutting the dress from silk.
• This calico toile is then taken apart and adapted into a paper pattern to make the dress.
• This pattern would then not fit anyone else, as the shape is exclusive to the client.
• The toile is an important stage when making couture garments as it ensures the dress fits the client solely, making it a one-off.
Here is a photo of Susan during her toile fitting. The calico is pinned, cut to shape and any design alterations are made here. Her bodice seams have been pinned to fit...the waistline dropped slightly to lengthen the body. An example of a rouched collar has been pinned on to the calico but it was then changed to a rouched shawl collar.
Click to see Susan’s completed dress in silk.
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4. Will you advise me on what style would suit my figure?
Yes. I will advise you on styles to flatter your best features and conceal parts of the body that you would rather not emphasize!
• By changing the shape of a neckline slightly I can make a bust appear smaller or larger.
• By carefully positioning the panels on a dress it can make you look slimmer or taller etc.
• A corset bodice can make waists smaller.
• Cups and padding can make busts larger etc.
I always make a toile (calico mock-up) of your garment so that you can see for yourself and be reassured before I cut into the silk fabric.
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5. Can you make me look like a celebrity?
Often clients bring a photo of a celebrity from a magazine and ask me to copy their dress. I can do this but tend to adapt the style to suit my client so it becomes your dress and not a complete replica of someone else’s. See Sam’s dress.
Remember, the photo of the model in the magazine could have been digitally enhanced or she could be pinned into the dress to make it fit, for the photo shoot! I don’t do plastic surgery so I can’t make you look exactly like the celebrity ! However, by using tricks of the trade, I can make a style flatter a “real woman” ! (See question 4.)
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6. What is a bias-cut dress?
A bias-cut dress is when the fabric is cut on the diagonal of the fabric, against the grain. This makes the garment drape beautifully. This form of cutting a garment is used frequently in evening and bridal wear.
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7. How much do you charge?
If you want to wear something that is unique and exclusive to you and that fits you perfectly, then read on...
All of my dresses are individual and the price depends on numerous factors:
• The style of the garment
• How much work is involved in the style
• The kind of fabric used
• How much fabric is required
• The embellishment (detail)
• How many fittings are required etc.
Once meeting you for an informal chat over a coffee I will sketch ideas, show you fabric samples and then be able to give you an exact costing once we have come up with a style.
My prices start from:
• day wear: dress - £200 • jacket - £200 • skirt - £150
• bridesmaid/prom dress - £250
• cocktail dress - £350
• evening dress - £450
• wedding dress - £1000
(Prices excluding fabric and embellishment)
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8. How do I pay for my dress?
Your first consultation is free with no obligation. I ask for a 50% deposit at the toile fitting and the rest of the balance is due on completion of your dress.
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9. How much time do I need to have my dress made?
Preferably I would like to have 6-9 months notice to make a wedding dress, and at least 3 months notice for other garments. Having your dress designed and made for you should be an enjoyable and stress-free experience and I like to finish a commission in plenty of time to avoid un-necessary stress! I am able to make a commission in shorter notice, depending on my diary. Surprisingly, I am not always busiest during the Summer months and sometimes have more Winter wedding orders or Ball gown orders, so please phone to enquire, as I will try my best to fit you in.
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10. Do I need an appointment?
Yes. Please phone to arrange a convenient time to come and see me. I am flexible with appointments and I am happy to see clients during the daytime, evenings or weekends.
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