When we work together, you will hear me speak about specific materials and techniques. These aren’t just industry terms; they are the premium ingredients that make your gown a masterpiece.
French Levers Lace
Think of this as the ‘saffron’ of the lace world. Named after the lacemaking machines invented in the 1800s, Levers lace is the most sophisticated lace in existence. Unlike modern mass-produced lace, it is woven on 100-year-old looms that create a complex, three-dimensional web of threads. The result is a ‘shading’ effect that looks like a painting rendered in thread.
Ethically Sourced Silk
I prioritise fabrics that respect both the earth and the artisans. Silk Morocain is a heavy, beautiful crepe with a slightly wavy texture that drapes like liquid. By choosing ethical sources, we ensure your gown has integrity in its very fibres: breathable, luxurious and conscious.
Proportion and Balance
In couture, we ignore ‘standard sizes’. Instead, we look at your unique geometry. This is the relationship between the different parts of the garment and your frame — how the curve of a shoulder balances the sweep of a hem to create a silhouette that feels effortlessly ‘right’.
The Toile (The Mock-up)
Before I touch your precious silks, I create a ‘toile’ — a prototype of your garment made in cotton calico. This is our ‘tasting’ session. It allows us to refine the fit and the ‘personality’ of the design on your body, ensuring every line is perfect before the final creation begins.
Hand-Finishing
The true mark of couture is often what you don’t see. This includes hand-rolled hems, hand-sewn silk linings and invisible reinforcements. These ‘secret’ details ensure the garment feels as beautiful against your skin as it looks to the world.
Moulage
This is the art of draping fabric directly onto a dress form or the body to see how it falls in three dimensions. It is a more intuitive way of designing that allows the fabric’s natural ‘personality’ to guide the shape, rather than forcing it into a flat pattern.
Appliqué
Appliqué (from the French appliquer, meaning ‘to put on’) is a needlework technique where pieces of fabric, embroidery or other materials are sewn onto a foundation garment to create ornament, texture and depth.
Dreaming of a couture creation just for you? Schedule your free consultation today:
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