Design / Custom Work
Can you recreate a dress from photos or inspiration images? Absolutely! I can create a digital mockup for your approval based on existing pictures, a hodge-podge of different dresses, or just chatting about different elements you like.
Can you combine elements from multiple dresses into one design? Yes! Especially with the help of AI, it's easy to create a digital mockup that combines several different elements from various dresses into the dress you have in your mind.
What if I don’t know exactly what I want yet? No problem! Our first consultation (no charge) involves figuring out what your needs are, the kinds of elements that inspire you, and how to accommodate what you envision into your budget. If you have any sort of mood/Pinterest board for style, color pallet, or even just things that inspire you (architecture, garden styles, wall paper, etc) is a good place to start to understand the vibe you're going for.
Do you help choose fabrics and trims? I definitely can if you need! Knowing what fabrics will work best for your dress based on structural needs, aesthetic, environment you'll be in, and budget can be intimidating, but I'm here to help navigate that! Based on what we discuss, I'll order swatches of different fabrics to approve color and feel before ordering the full yardage of fabric.
Can you work with historical references or museum inspiration? Yep! I love a good historical project! Sometimes the photos available are sparse and low resolution, but that's not a problem! I enjoy sleuthing out the details, or creating our own alterations based on what's available.
Do you draft your patterns from scratch? Yes and no- it depends entirely on the dress! A lot of dresses that have structured elements, especially elements that are commonly used, I already have patterns for that I can adjust to your size, or alter to your vision. Other dresses that have less structure (ie they hang off the body in a more flowy way) or have really unique structure, I'll create my own pattern.
Process / Logistics
What does the custom design process look like? We start with having a conversation about what you're wanting, timeline, budget, etc. I then put together a time & cost estimate, along with a digital mockup of what the dress will look like based on that conversation. Once the estimate and mockup are approved, I'll send an invoice to get swatches ordered (if applicable) and to start work (30% of total labor cost). Once that's paid, I'll order swatches and get your measurements, and get started on a muslin mockup of the dress. By the time we have a first fitting, the swatches have usually arrived and thus we can decide on fabric at the fitting. I'll get the fabric ordered and work on any adjustments needed to the mockup. We'll have a 2nd (and usually final, pending any major design changes) fitting of the mockup, and around that time the fabric arrives. From the approved muslin mockup, I'll create the actual dress with the fabric ordered. From there we'll have a fitting of the actual dress- if everything looks good, you may submit final payment and take the dress home, or if any adjustments are needed, I'll make those and we'll have a final fitting. If any changes are needed after final payment is submitted, then we start another cycle of making adjustments/fitting/final payment.
How many fittings are usually required? For a custom dress, I've found that 2 mockup fittings and 1-2 actual dress fittings is sufficient. Though that number may go up or down depending on the complexity of the dress, any requested adjustments that were not accounted for in the original digital mockup, or any necessary adjustments based on body/footwear changes. For alterations, depending on the complexity, usually can be done with 1-2 fittings.
Do I need to be local to work with you? Nope! I'm based in Sandy, UT, but I'm comfortable helping anyone remotely. Just keep in mind that there will be added time and cost to ship swatches, mockup, and final dress back and forth for fittings.
Can fittings be done remotely? Yes! I'll just need you to be in a well-lit area and have decent internet connection or cell reception. Having a friend/family member there with you is also super helpful, but not required.
How long does a custom project usually take? There are many factors that affect timeline- such as the type of project, my current workload, your availability for fittings, where the fabric is being ordered from, etc. A simple alteration may take only a day or two, or a complex custom dress may take a few months. On average, I'd say a custom dress takes about 8 weeks from the day we have a consultation to delivery of final dress.
Do you take rush projects? Yes! I do have a rush fee, and we'll of course need to discuss what your project entails before I can commit to completing it within your timeframe, but I can usually accommodate most rush projects.
How much does a project cost? Every project is unique, so pricing can vary quite a bit depending on the design, materials, and amount of labor involved. A simple alteration may be around $50, while a fully custom gown using luxury fabrics, multiple layers, appliqués, or hand embroidery may be several thousand dollars. Factors that affect cost can include: • fabric choice • amount of fabric needed • complexity of the design • embellishments such as appliqué, buttons, or embroidery • the level of fitting and construction involved For alterations, even seemingly simple changes can become more time-intensive depending on the garment’s structure, lace/appliqué placement, beadwork, or pattern matching. I know custom dressmaking can feel both exciting and intimidating, especially if you’ve never commissioned clothing before, which is why consultations are always free! I’m happy to talk through ideas, inspiration photos, timelines, and budgets so we can find an approach that feels right for you. I also do not mark up material costs- my goal is never to push you toward more expensive fabrics than you need, but to help create something beautiful that fits your vision, comfort, and budget.
How does payment work? I accept cash (in person), Venmo, or I have a payment portal you can use to pay with card.
Bridal
Can you alter an existing wedding dress? Certainly! Raising a hem, or taking in a waist line- anything that takes away fabric is pretty straightforward. Adding fabric, like lowering a hem, letting out waist line, or adding sleeves, etc, gets a little trickier as the need to match the existing fabric is crucial. If there is not existing fabric available from the seam allowances, then we can problem solve- whether that's ordering swatches to match fabric, or adding some trim to make up the difference, etc.
Do you create bustles and custom sleeves? Yes! If you have a specific style in mind or would like some help figuring out which will work best with your style of dress and needs, I can help!
What if my body changes before the wedding? No worries! Bodies are always changing for one reason or another, and adjusting the dress to your needs shouldn't be too complicated, especially if we plan ahead for that possibility.
Can you work with vintage or heirloom gowns? Yes, and what an honor it is to be trusted with that! With these, I take special care to assess the stability of the fabric/structure before making recommendations on how best to alter it for your needs.
Do you offer modest bridal designs? Of course- I'll work with you to create your dream dress, exactly as you'd like it.
Historical
How historically accurate are your garments? It depends entirely on your desires, timeline, and budget. If you'd like to go full historically accurate using period-appropriate fabric with an authentic replicated pattern, sewn using historically accurate methods, that's no problem! Just keep in mind that hand-sewing a complete garment will add time and labor costs. I tend to use a sewing machine for most elements, but I understand that hand sewing can boost the look of authenticity!
Do you create costumes for reenactment, events, or photoshoots? Yes, almost all of my historical dresses have been created for a specific historically-themed event. Side note- if you're in need of a photographer to do a photoshoot, I can do that as well!
Can historical designs be adapted for modern comfort or wearability? Definitely! There are a myriad of ways to make a garment more comfortable, more durable, or more adaptable to your use case.
Do you make corsets, chemises, or undergarments as well? Yes! Those are all crucial items for achieving the right silhouette, and providing the right support and protection for the dress.
Let's chat!
For inquiries, appointments, or collaborations, feel free to reach out to me via email at adaline@faitdor.com.
