The Bespoke Experience

To give my clients the maximum benefits of the full experience, I take on a limited number of bespoke projects per year depending on prior work commitments scheduled. Due to each garment being one of a kind and just as special, it is strongly advised to enquire at first convenience to avoid disappointment. On average, a minimum 4-6 months notice is required for bridal, 4 months for 2/3 piece suits, 4 months for mother of the bride/occasional wear, bridesmaids etc.

The benefits of bespoke include having my full attention and focus during consultations in privacy. The bespoke process is very personal and you will have frequent in-depth contact with myself at each stage, right until the handover of your special event. The beauty of the process is having involvement in something one of a kind, made especially for YOU, personally picking every detail with the help of my professional guidance and technical knowledge. You can pick styles, silhouettes, textures, fabrics, trimmings, linings, finishing details and include sentimental mementos all made to fit you at your own comfort and within your budget.

Starting your bespoke journey- Making the first step

First enquiries can be through the contact form, email, phone or text. It is advised to contact via phone, WhatsApp or the contact form as emails sometimes do not reach my inbox.

I will first ask for important details such as the date of your wedding or event, if you will be abroad for the occasion and any further information needed such as pregnancies or weight loss plans. I will ask for a rough guide on the garment you’d like-at this stage its helpful to send photos of your ideas, sketches or any Pinterest boards. You are encouraged and are very welcome to ask any questions you may have and if I am able to fulfil your requirements in the time frame, I will schedule a design consultation with you.

The Design Consultation

The design consultation will consist of looking at all the fabric sample books/swatches whilst we will discuss what you require and I will make important notes and sketch the ideas for a rough design. I am able to discuss what is possible within your budget and give rough figures based on selections, however a firm quote will not be given until after the meeting. Please kindly note, the design consultation does require a non-refundable deposit of £50 which gets deducted off of your quote should you wish to go ahead with the bespoke process.

The meeting usually takes an hour, and can sometimes be longer or shorter depending on how certain you are with any ideas you may already have. It is encouraged to bring along any photos, pinterest boards, references and accessories you may have. If you’re eager to get creative, it is great to create a moodboard of all your ideas in one place. I love to see your ideas and encourage you to work closely with me so you are part of every detail. Please note it is also ok if you have more than one idea, often we will pick details from various designs and implement them into one.

Refining the details – Confirming the T&Cs

After your appointment, I will provide you with a sketch which has colour swatches, fabric details and notes to the design and an estimated quote for you to confirm if you would like to go ahead. This is usually through email, if you don’t have an email, by WhatsApp or posted to you. In some cases a further final design and quote is sent if the design is not finalised. Making costs, pattern/toiling will be broken down and costings for fabrics, components will be included to give you a clear understanding.

Please note this estimate can be subject to change based on fabric costs, changes in design, added details or extras, or changing the design to something simpler. Some areas in the quote may have a budgeted amount due to things like embroidery (the amount of time and work involved difficult to estimate a fixed price) In most cases some are able to confirm a design and pay a deposit during or after this consultation.

A deposit is taken once a form of terms and conditions is agreed to and signed along with confirmation of design (please see terms & conditions for full details). You will be invited for a fitting to get base measurements to estimate fabric quantities, alternatively depending how advanced your design is during initial consultation, in some cases measurements are taken along with a deposit (agreement of T&Cs). Once these are taken fabric is ordered, or personally selected from supplier location. Soon after, I will be in touch to arrange a date for detailed measurements to begin the toile process.

Toiling process

Every bespoke client will have individual patterns drafted especially to fit your figure. The first step of toiling is to take your measurements. I may take a few digital photographs of you (clothed) for my own reference to pinpoint unique characteristics (shorter waist ratio, broader shoulders, larger biceps, lower bust, broader chest etc.) when working on drafting your patterns.

The exciting part! The toile, which is a Calico (muslin/cotton) replica of the garment, (pronounced ‘twar:l’) is made from the measurements collected and is completely unique to you. At this stage we will critique the design, this involves exact placement and style lines and I will make any necessary adjustments. I will also drape fabrics over the silhouette to define the lines of the dress and help you visualise exactly how the finished garment will look. Sampling of finishing or details such as ruffles, embroidery, pleating, ruching, layering will be shown to you and draped.
You will need your shoes and the underwear you plan to wear on the day as early as possible in the fitting process-this is key. This is a crucial part which adds to the shape and cut of what goes underneath and will affect the clothes above. I may also ask you to attend early fittings for any corsets, petticoats/extra layers or complex features-These bases need to be correct before further work can be carried out. Alterations are made on the toile at this point to ensure you are happy with the design.

Fittings

At the first fitting, you will get to try on your garment. This will be the very early stages of development and will really start to take shape. It is normal to be very plain at this point to ensure a perfect fit before adding any embellishment or added detail. This part is a very personal opportunity for you to have a say in the placement of lace or any unique extra detail to refine and create a stunning garment.

For the subsequent fittings after, these are usually much quicker and focus on refining the fit and design to exactly how you envisioned. The final fitting is just as important to make sure everything is perfect and usually takes place 10-14 days before the main event to account for any last minute weight fluctuations.

The Final step- collections & personal dressing

I will prepare and steam your dress so it is in perfect condition and ready to wear. It is advised to have separate final fitting and collection dates as it is best for your bespoke garment to be taken home unworn to be ready for the big day. Your bespoke piece will be ready to transport inside a suitable length gown or suit bag on a suitable hanger.

I will discuss with you and make a ‘pencilled in’ collection date accordingly. A final date and time can be confirmed at a later fitting.

Additional personal dressing:
The personal dressing service is for bridal and special occasion commissions in gown form which are very delicate or difficult to get dressed in by yourself and are available for your comfort and peace of mind to ensure you look perfect on your special day. This service is an additional charge, please enquire for further information.