Experience Couture
What Does Couture Mean?
A One of A Kind, Made To Measure Garment
To be truly couture, a clothing item will be made according to the client's specific measurements. It is not mass produced or made by factory machine. It is hand sewn and fitted by a designer and dressmaker. To be couture it is one of a kind, just like you.
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What if your gown was as unique as you are? Nobody else in the world will have that exact gown and it won't fit anyone else the way it fits you.
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Like it was made for YOU.
How it Works
A custom gown takes many steps, and you get to be included in each one! Here is a quick overview of the process of creating a custom gown.
Designer Consultation
Initial phone or video call to discuss your initial design and to look at inspiration photos or complete the design checklist.
Toile Fitting
The Toile or Mock-Up is created with a basic fabric that resembles the same weave and stretch as our final fabric. It is for fine tuning design features and fit so we can adjust the pattern before the final fabric is cut.
Sketching & Sourcing
Heather will start designing on paper and create a visual representation of your vision. You will be presented with this visual as well as a cost breakdown and fabric selections.
Shell Fitting
The shell of the gown is the base dress without any embellishments or finishing. This is the skeleton of your gown and will be tried on and adjusted before we add any lace, beading, hems.
Patterning & Sloper
A sloper is a pattern base that all future patterns can be worked from. It is made from your specific measurements before the design pattern is created so we can always go back to it with any changes.
Final Fitting
All the details are added and the gown is hemmed and possibly bustled before it's ready for it's debut! A final try on and check for any adjustments or snipping stray threads.
Don't live near our studio? No problem! Measurements, Toile Fitting, and the Shell Fitting can be done from home with Heather's guidance. The Final Fitting may need to be done with a local seamstress/tailor but is not always necessary.
What Sets Us Apart
Unique Style
Who says you have to wear white?? Not us! Whatever color and design makes you feel the best is what we are happy to do.
Hand Painting & Dye
We can hand paint or spot dye lace and fabric to achieve your level of whimsy. Not everything is available to buy, so we aren't afraid to make it for you.
Matching Accessories
We also create custom accessories as well. Have a veil or cape made to match your gown easily!
Superior Structure
With a background in patternmaking and over 10 years in bridal alterations, we KNOW structure. Let the gown do the work for you and skip the sticky bras and shapewear!
Dye Options
Ombre Dye for a skirt, bodice, veil, or jumpsuit are all options with Stellula! We have a full size dye vat system ready to go.
How To Start
First we need some crucial details, then we can check our schedule and get you scheduled for a consult.