MANY WOMEN ARE under the misconception that having a dress designed is overly-indulgent, time-consuming and expensive. Here, some of Scotland's top bridal designers dispel a few myths...
Q. I'm thinking of having a dress designed but am not sure how to go about it. What's the best way to approach a designer?
A.
"I always like to meet the bride in person at the shop so we can have a
good chat about what you are looking for. It's always best to phone
ahead and make an appointment so I can set aside time in order to
explain the design process and get to know you and your personality
better."
Bruce Munro Roberts
Q. How does the design process work?
A. "You
would have an initial consultation to discuss your ideas and also to
try some sample gowns on to see what suits your shape and colouring. A
design would then be drawn and we would go through fabric swatches to
decide what would work with the dress and your personal preferences.
The first fitting would be in calico� (cotton fabric) so that you get a
good idea of the overall style of the dress without having to cut the
real fabric. This also gives you a chance to change and improve certain
aspects of the dress. Brides usually have around three or four fittings
but it really depends on the individual and the complexity of the
gown."
Laura, Liliana Dabic
Q. I've never considered having a dress designed, isn't it more expensive than buying one from a shop?
A.
"Certainly not, a bride's dress can cost between �300 and �1500,
bridesmaids between �140 and �220 and a mother�s between �250 and
�500."
Ann, Ann Hardie Designs
Q. What type of customer do you design dresses for?
A.
"My customers are very wide ranging in all areas - young, not quite so
young; size 10, size 20; local, from abroad; traditional,
contemporary..."
Bruce Munro Roberts
Q. I've seen a dress I love but can't afford � can I ask a dress designer to make me a replica?
A.
"Never! However if a bride said, 'I like this dress. Can you make me
one in a similar style with the following differences?', then we would
consider their request."
Lindsay Fleming�
Q. What's the best thing about being a bridal designer?
A.
"When you are creative, bridal design is really as good as it gets;
theatrical flights of fancy or simple elegance or period influences �
how diverse and wonderful to be constantly inspired by new ideas that
come to fruition. There is also the extravagance of creating a
wonderful garment that is only worn once. Bridal is a designer's
dream."
Moira Withers, Glitterati
Q. I'd love to have a dress designed but I
struggle to get clothes to fit me as I don't seem to fit a standard
size. Is this a problem?
A. "Of course not. Being a size
ten isn't the be all and end all. In fact many bigger sized girls suit
the corsetted styles and strapless dresses a lot better than thinner
girls. We help to bring out all the best features of a bride whatever
her size."
Joyce Young, By Storm
Got a fashion question? Get help from other brides-to-be at the SWD Forum... CLICK HERE!
