how it’s done
Wedding Dress Alterations
We have recently increased our capacity for alterations, re-modelling and re-structuring of wedding and other dresses, see HERE for further details.
Underneath It All – Foundations for vintage styled wedding dresses
Our latest silk bodice with boned inner foundation - nothing else needed!
Not all of us are size 8 or a perfect shape. For those who are not media model shaped or standard sizes, the made to measure route and choice of style is still the best way to compliment your figure on your special day. Boned bodices and built in foundations should give you the shape you desire,
Corset Styled Wedding Dress – Another re-structuring job
About to crease with a little more tension
We have been brought yet another “designer” wedding dress with problems that need to be solved. After tackling several similar jobs, we know what to expect and how to fix a dress that feels unsubstantial, rolls over in various places on the bodice and does not offer enough control to keep a smooth line in the bodice.
From Closed Back Wedding Dress to “Corset Dress”
The use of rear lacing in “Corset Styled” wedding dresses has been re- born in recent years. In addition to the fashion statement, there is an added bonus for “ready to wear” or “altered to fit” sellers, not to mention those brides whose weight “fluctuates” as many brides diet before the wedding and some put on weight.
Another benefit of lacing, is that old dresses can be converted to fit the new bride, within reason of course. So, is this the answer for all the above problems?
No Strap Bodice? Corsetry techniques to the rescue!
Click on images for close ups
plastic bones sewn in like this don't do the job and unfinished ends can be uncomfortable.......
We were recently brought a traditional wedding dress to alter, that was made to measure for the client in China and it has to be said that it represented remarkable value for money. The bride to be, wanted it taking in however, as she considered it to be too loose at the bust, with a tendency to slip down. The design of the dress, having a long train and being constructed of heavy satin, did not help things, but the way it was constructed was contributing towards the problems.
How It’s Done – Sassoon Chiffon Evening Dress
bodice showing faced foundation and lining
vintage zips, buttons, laces and hooks
The Zip File
One thing that we have noticed about authentic vintage dresses from the vintage eras, is that many have really “visible” zips, some to the point of being really ugly. What has become a fashion trend recently, seems to have been unavoidable at this time, if the evidence is to believed.
No doubt the couture dresses of the periods would have not
50′s Blue shot Pink dupioni silk dress
Plain simple & elegant
In one of our earlier posts, we discussed the trend towards coloured bridal dresses and showed the basic dress before adding “adornments.” To many, a wedding dress is just not a wedding dress unless decorated. Others prefer elegant simplicity, but in either case, tastes can be catered for. Shown here is what some hand made silk flowers can do,
Why use silk?
crinkle silk on haboti silk backing
For centuries, natural silk was the choice of kings and the rich, from simple colours to the later addition of complex patterns by the use of looms. Automated production allowed prices to fall so that for special occasions at least we can all afford to experience its advantages. Many of the most prestigious wedding dresses have been made from this unique natural material, but even now prices can seem very high when compared with synthetic equivalents. Why?
Under Construction – 40′s dress
Our 40′s sample dress was cut out some time ago and has been waiting for a window in our schedule. Made from crepe satin, it features a front inset, which is reversed for effect. It can therefore be made matt with a shiny insert or completely reversed, which we have chosen to do as this is a bride’s example. A more matt look would suit a mother of the bride however.
There are so many wonderful designs for this era, it’s hard to know where to start. As we always try for a high degree of authenticity, an original Vogue pattern has been used for this example, but as per usual, we can alter and modify any design to suit individual preferences. We don’t really see the point of calling something vintage style unless it has the “look,”