Chinese custom made dress

bigmomma051204

Hiya! I haven't anything helpful to say but i am intrigued....which film and which dress?!!!? Please tell as i have all sorts in my head now lol :A

SeaBee

Have you thought about a local dressmaker? I had a very specific look I wanted for my wedding dress, found the "perfect" one, only to find it was only available in 2 shops in the UK - both over 200 miles away - it was also waaaaaay out of my price range!

I did a bit of research, found a local dressmaker, had a meeting, saw some of her work "in the flesh" and felt very happy with her. We sat and drew up my dress design - she gave me some very good input. I then went off and sourced my fabric - again, I had something very specific in mind.

I have my first fitting for my toile next week and I will deliver the fabric. At the fitting adjustments will be made to make sure I am really happy with the cut/fit/style, then she will start to make the real thing.

So all in all I am getting a one off dress, with personalised service, from a local trader who is only a few miles down the road and all for a fifth of the price of the original dress - and it wouldn't have even been as expensive as that if I hadn't spent as much on the fabric.

skyla

I can't put links in as i'm still anew user. if you go to flickr and search penelopewedding, there is pic of the dress from a user called kimennel

That is my dress...what do you think? its from the film 'penelope'


Seabee, how much is the dressmaker charging you if you don't mind me asking?

Landy and Milly are quoting £250 & £330 to make and deliver it.

Milly are being quite keen and confident about making this dress.

When i asked landy how they would create the detail on the bodice and the train (as the bodice is patterned and a different shade to the rest) they have just asked for more pictures...i've sent them ten detailed pics already. Then he says that he'll just let the seamstress make it how she wants to. this doesn't instil me with much confidence.

Landy are saying Chiffon for the train, whereas Milly are saying Tulle...anybody got any material knowledge to comment as to which they think would make the effect of the train?

Thanks for all your advice people :T

karen_newcastle

Here's the link for you

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34524438@N05/3701469507/

speaking as a wedding photographer...i would be over the moon if one of my clients wore this dress. Good luck with getting it made - it will all be worth it!

SeaBee

Hi Skyla - your dress is lovely, really unusual

My dressmakers prices start at £200, but mine is £400 as there is a lot of work involved - it is 2 layers - one of satin with a lace overlay, plus a massive petticoat!!!

skyla

Thank you for putting the link for me Karen :-D

Seabee - that dress is lovely! i considered that sort of style until i remembered the dress i'm having. is it £400 to make the dress and you supply the material?

I might have a look around and see what dressmakers i can find.

SeaBee

Hi Skyla

I love that style too - I have loads of 50's dresses so I know it will suit.

Yes, I supply the fabric - was very, very lucky and won some beautiful lace on ebay and bought the satin from a local shop. All in all it's cost me around £600 for the dress.

lindaatno9

Ok, as the resident dressmaker.

Skyla. Lovely dress, highly unusual so I would be a little cautious as to where you get your dress made. Choosing a dressmaker isn't like sticking a pin in a directory. You have to have a certain amount of confidence in them and for something as elabourate as your gown, most defo see work in progress. Eventhough many ladies here have been satisfied with their offshore gowns, they have been fairly easy to replicate. However, yours isn't due to the train detail. The bodice looks as if it will be fully corseted and this is something, eventhough many request, offshore companies do not specialise in.

The dress looks to me like it uses a brocade satin for the bodice, satin for the skirt and it is most defo chiffon for the train. The train looks like it is made from torn chiffon.

In my most honest professional opinion I wouldn't go offshore.

Regarding fabrics, your dressmaker should source these for you. I like to know what I am working with. If you want a costing of fabrics I'm happy to pm you with them.

Seebee, is yours a Candy Anthony? Love that dress. You have a great deal on it. One i've done came in around the same price using pure silk and with the full petticoat!

lindaatno9

karen_newcastle wrote: »

Here's the link for you

http://www.flickr.com/photos/34524438@N05/3701469507/

speaking as a wedding photographer...i would be over the moon if one of my clients wore this dress. Good luck with getting it made - it will all be worth it!

And as a dressmaker, I would be delighted to have the opportunity to make something like this. Of course, we don't copy but neither do we lose the image!

skyla

lindaatno9 wrote: »

Ok, as the resident dressmaker.

Skyla. Lovely dress, highly unusual so I would be a little cautious as to where you get your dress made. Choosing a dressmaker isn't like sticking a pin in a directory. You have to have a certain amount of confidence in them and for something as elabourate as your gown, most defo see work in progress. Eventhough many ladies here have been satisfied with their offshore gowns, they have been fairly easy to replicate. However, yours isn't due to the train detail. The bodice looks as if it will be fully corseted and this is something, eventhough many request, offshore companies do not specialise in.

The dress looks to me like it uses a brocade satin for the bodice, satin for the skirt and it is most defo chiffon for the train. The train looks like it is made from torn chiffon.

In my most honest professional opinion I wouldn't go offshore.

Regarding fabrics, your dressmaker should source these for you. I like to know what I am working with. If you want a costing of fabrics I'm happy to pm you with them.

Seebee, is yours a Candy Anthony? Love that dress. You have a great deal on it. One i've done came in around the same price using pure silk and with the full petticoat!

Hi Linda,
thank you so much for your advice, it is really appreciated.
It'd be great if you could give me an idea of material costings.
You could even quote me for making it if you like i appreciate your advice and i think you may have convinced me to have it remade in the uk.
I'm having trouble with Landy and the language barrier, seem to have one sentence non comittal answers to my questions :rolleyes: