CUSTOM Bridal & Evening Designer - Dressmaker

Q. Describe the most common types of jobs you do for your clients.

A. Unusual wedding dress requests such as vintage or 1930's style, lace jackets and boleros to wear during the ceremony. Also hand made bridal veils and accessories. Special child and baby projects.

Silk blouses, wool skirts, silk dresses, costumes.

Q. What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?

A. It's all about the fabric, then it's all about the fit. Make sure your maker understands fabric and is able to alter patterns or make a personal muslin/pattern from scratch for you to insure a proper fit.

Q. If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

A. It's all about the fabric, then it's all about the fit.

Not all fabrics are created equal. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to fabric and wearing a properly fitted garment makes you look and feel great!

Q. What important information should buyers have thought through before seeking you out?

A. The clearer you are with the details of your project the better chance I have of meeting your expectations in a timely manner. Think about your fabric and styling and let me know if you have questions, the more the better. It's also OK to "think it through" with me but I suggest adding in extra time. If fabric, color, or styling choices are changed during the design/fit /make process there may be race to the finish which I prefer to avoid. Of course for elaborate wedding gowns and evening dresses made from scratch there are always many changes and that's why it's good to work several months in advance. For shorter projects of 4 to 8 weeks I suggest really knowing what you want so we don't run into timing problems. Thank you.

Q. Why does your work stand out from others who do what you do?

A. I am lucky enough to have been trained in old school couture methods at Parsons School of Design (the Project Runway school) in New York City and worked on 7th Avenue for several years. I have some great fabrics suppliers and specialize in quality.

Q. What do you like most about your job?

A. My favorite part of my job is rising to the challenge of what the customer needs. I especially enjoy working with brides, working out what they envision and then giving them exactly what they want. The fitting process is so much fun, taking 2D fabric and creating a 3D piece.

Q. What questions do customers most commonly ask you? What's your answer?

A. Usually the top questions are when can you finish and how much will it cost?

For timing I will honestly let you know if I can make your deadline. For wedding dresses and other elaborate projects it's important to start about six months ahead to have time for muslin fittings and corrections. Six months may seem like a lot of time, but, if we are ordering special fabrics or trims from Europe, or your size changes, we have to build that time in to make sure you are happy with the outcome and the deadline is met. Of course simpler dresses or projects will not take as long, just inquire, it depends on my schedule.

As for price each project varies depending on materials used and how many hours are involved. I have made simple sportswear pieces for $75. and wedding dresses for thousands. Of course most projects fall many price points in between : )

Q. Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A. My favorite story about making a custom garment was my attempt to make a custom made plum color coat lined with a beautiful silk print for a local journalist for her trip to the Climate Summit in Copenhagen. The deadline was so short and I only had a few days to finish. We both agreed that there probably was not enough time to make a fully lined coat with bound buttonholes but I said I would try anyway. I sewed and sewed and then missed my meeting with her the day of the flight because I was still sewing! I rallied my husband to help me finish (he's a menswear designer) and we were both hemming from either end. We jumped in the car and my husband headed for the San Francisco Airport while I finished sewing the buttons on. I ran into the terminal she was leaving from and there she was next in line to check in. I literally put the coat on her back and she was off!

Q. What do you wish customers knew about you or your profession?

A. It's not all glamour like you see in the magazines and on TV. There's a lot of running around gathering supplies, meeting clients, computer and reading research time on fabrics and styling. Lots of late night sketching to get the idea just right. And then the sewing....you just have to put the hours in and make the deadline. A full length strapless Alencon lace gown with hand sewn seams to match the floral motifs with tulle underskirts takes 100 hours or more.

Q. How did you decide to get in your line of work?

A. It choose me, from the moment that I sewed my baby sister into a pillowcase at the age of 4.....and, I had a chance to add stylish pockets before my mother rescued her.

Q. Tell us about a recent job you did that you are particularly proud of.

A. I am really proud of a 1930's style bias silk wedding dress with vintage lace that I finished for a June wedding. I can't wait to get the pictures!

Q. Do you do any sort of continuing education to stay up on the latest developments in your field?

A. I suscribe to the major fashion industry news portals and WWD. I am always reading and keeping up on current trends and follow the fashion shows every season.

Q. What are the latest developments in your field? Are there any exciting things coming in the next few years or decade that will change your line of business?

A. What is going on in fabrics is amazing. The amount of organic and sustainable fabrics available is growing every year. Also with the internet and overnight services there is a world of fabrics available for projects.

Q. Describe your most recent project, what it involved, how much it cost, and how long it took.

A. I am currently working on a white bias cut backless silk gown with an ostrich feather collar. It's going to be amazing, it's an unusual wedding dress, and yes, the bride and I think the groom will pass out we he sees her.

Q. If you have a complicated pricing system for your service, please give all the details here.

A. My pricing is based on your needs. We discuss the project, the cost of materials, and how many hours to complete. I am happy to give you an estimate before starting and will work hard to stay within your budget.

Q. If you were advising someone who wanted to get into your profession, what would you suggest?

A. Go to design school in a city with a major fashion industry. NYC, LA, London, Paris, Milan. Get internships, work with mentors and masters. Work REALLY hard. Get as much experience as you can and learn a variety of skills. Ask questions. Hone your craft.