FINALLY having my gown re-designed... IT'S FINISHED!! (update post 26)

[Ember]

I was one of those brides who carefully folded my dress away after the wedding and kept it. Because it was so darn pretty and cost such a lot of money and had all these happy memories tied up in it. I've finally decided this is silly. I found a designer from New York who specializes in bespoke wedding gowns and am having my gown re-made into a new dress. I thought I'd document the process in case any other of our lovely Disney Brides ever want to do the same thing.

So far, I've paid the deposit ($200) and the gown is being shipped off. From there, the designer will come up with some sketches, we will work out a design, and she'll work out an estimate. I've told her I'm happy to cut it up, dye it or add material. I'd rather have it turn out as something amazing than put constraints on it.

I'm so excited to be able to wear my dress again in a new way!! My first thought was a 50's style cocktail dress, but I'm excited to see what the designer comes up with!

For reference, this is my gown now:

 

[giffy231]

Can't wait to see!

 

[LittleKittyMarie]

How exciting! I'm very interested to hear all about your experience!

 

[Ember]

I had a thought this afternoon. One day my mum and I were out together and came across this beautiful fabric that I fell rather in love with. It's a watered silk with blues and greens and yellows. Neither of us had any idea what to do with it, but we bought it anyway, just because it was gorgeous.

My mum kept it, figuring we'd find something to make with it eventually. After she died, I packed up her sewing room but I kept this one bolt of fabric. I have about six meters of it, even though I can't sew to save my life. It just occurred to me that this might be just the use for it.

I emailed my designer to see what she thinks.

I sort of thought that if the tulle layers of my dress became an underskirt, maybe this could go over top... Or something...

Here's the fabric I've kept (and moved all the way to Australia!) even thought I can't sew:

 

[GagesMama]

I've never heard of someone doing this before. What a fabulous idea! I love it even more because you can incorporate the fabric that means so much to you and reminds you of your mom. I can't wait to see the final product. Do you have an occasion for it yet?

 

[charliegirl76]

Ooh! I briefly considered doing this, but decided against it. I'm very intrigued to see what your designer comes up with! Who knows, maybe I'll change my mind again. LOL

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[lpizzuro123]

Would love to hear and see how this works out.

Linda

 

[gelandnick]

Sounds like fun! I'm excited to see how it turns out for you!

 

[crashbb]

Your gown is beatiful. I love the re-designing idea. It is something I'm thinking about myself (though not in the same way). My mum died many years ago and I have her wedding gown. It is not something that I could/would wear, but I'm considering re-designing it (or at least some of it) into my wedding gown.

Like others, I'd love to see the "after" pictures.

 

[scanmom]

what a great idea! My gown is close to 30 years old, I wonder if it would be doable? Who is doing this for you?

 

[JandJ]

I'm going to subscribe to this thread so please keep updating as you go through the planning and final stages.

I've thought about doing this, too. I loved my gown, but it's in a box under my bed - along with my mom's and my Godmother's gowns. I'd love to wear it again but with a cathedral train my options are quite limited unless I have it re-designed.

I'm looking forward to your final product!

 

[Ember]

My designer wants to have a look at the dress before deciding if the other material will work, which I appreciate. No point shipping it if it won't work. I expect this process to take several months, but I'm not in a hurry (It's sat around for the last six years), but I'll update as we go along!

Sorry, forgot to add that I've gone through http://cassandrarosebespoke.com/

One of the things that drew me to her was that she specialises not only in bespoke design, but she has experience with vintage gowns and high end silks. My dress is 100% silk and I wanted someone I felt I could trust. She has been fantastic so far and I'm really excited about this.

 

[Ember]

Update!

My dress arrived safely with no issues and has gone to be cleaned! Cleaning will cost and additional $200. The designer has suggested a solid silk rather than the one I have, which is fine. (If this one turns out as beautifully as I hope, I may just have a second dress made with the watered silk!).

She sent me some colour cards with all the choices, whereupon I immediately got overwhelmed and had to do something else for a bit...:

After thinking it over, I decided to be a bit sentimental and go with a pink, because my wedding colours were pink and gold. My bridesmaids all wore shades of pink:



So I've decided on one of these two... I think! (Feel free to chime in an opinion!) I think I'm leaning towards 216, because it is saturated, but not super bright, and is very similar to my maid of honour on the right...:

But then I think a powder pink or a bright fuschia might be lovely, too! Oh dear...

And here is the first sketch!

I must admit, I'm a bit enchanted with it! My first thought it that I would like to add straps, just to make it a tad less formal. I LOVE the ruffled skirt, but I wonder if it will make me look big? I'm not an itty-bitty girl and wear a US 10-12... But then I think that waist will really be flattering, and as long as the tulle lays right (which I'm sure my designer would make sure of! Plus, as it's silk tulle, it's pretty soft.) it could look really nice! I also adore that it still has the corset at the back, because that's one of the alterations my mum did.

So, what do you think?? I would really love some thoughts and honest opinions before emailing the designer again!

 

[GagesMama]

The sketch is amazing, and it will look great on you. I am not itty bitty either so I can understand your concern. However, I think with the way the waist is fitted, it will look great on you and be very flattering. Showing off a little leg like that will make you appear taller as well. I, like you, am enchanted with the design. It's just fabulous.

As far as the color goes, I agree with your first pick. It's a versatile color, so I don't think it would limit you as much as a bright fuschia would. I love that you're going with a wedding color. Even more sentimental!

Thanks for the update. I can't wait to hear more.

 

[charliegirl76]

I absolutely love the design! Beautiful! Do you know where the pink will be used on the dress? For me, this would be a big indicator of which pink to use.

I think it would be very pretty if she were keeping the top of your dress and adding the pink as the part that wraps around and crosses in front, leaving the top part of the original dress to show. Then adding here and there pieces on the skirt. If this is the case, then you could go with a strong color (like a bright fuchsia) because all the white (or did you say ivory?) material will help tone it down a bit. You wouldn't want anything too light because then the white will wash it out. I would choose the strongest color that you love and looks good on you. (Oh, dear, I think I'm rambling.)

Anyway, I love it! It will be gorgeous. And I wouldn't worry about the ruffled bottom making you look big for two reasons. First, because you're not, and second because, if done properly, it will make your waist look tiny! I look forward to your next update!

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[Ember]

It's been a busy few months and I decided to take a break from the boards for a while. But there has been movement on the redesign of my gown and I thought I should come back and share what's going on!

So after being cleaned, this is what we started with:

I chose a pink silk to use:

And now we are discussing the various options for the skirt. We will be removing some of the layers of tulle so it won't be quite so voluminous (there's 17 of them, I think!!). But here's what we're considering. It will be cut to just below the knees.

A straight skirt like this:

A "cloud" gathered skirt like this:

Layers kind of like this (this is far more "tu-tu" because of all the fabric right now which would be removed!):

Or little ruffles on a straight skirt, much like the skirt on this dress:

Sooo... What do you think?! I would love some opinions!! I am currently leaning towards the the small ruffles on a straight skirt. I think it would be pretty and interesting without being over whelming... The cloud skirt looks a little too bridal to me, and I still have some hesitations about the layers of ruffles. But I like that option, too... Help!!

We've also learned that we are moving to the US in three months time, which is pretty huge considering we are currently in Australia. But DH has already agreed to an anniversary Disneyland photoshoot in my new (old?) dress!! SO EXCITED!!

 

[Ember]

You were all very helpful!

So I've gone with the little ruffles on a straight skirt.

 

[andeesings]

You were all very helpful! So I've gone with the little ruffles on a straight skirt.

I'm so sorry no one answered!!!! But actually what you went with was by far my favorite!!!!!

 

[Disney_Alli]

You were all very helpful!

So I've gone with the little ruffles on a straight skirt.

Shoot! I thought I had answered (Oops!) I was going to say that I like what you picked or the cloud skirt so... glad you went with your pick.

 

[Bewitch324]

It's been a busy few months and I decided to take a break from the boards for a while. But there has been movement on the redesign of my gown and I thought I should come back and share what's going on!

So after being cleaned, this is what we started with:

I chose a pink silk to use:

And now we are discussing the various options for the skirt. We will be removing some of the layers of tulle so it won't be quite so voluminous (there's 17 of them, I think!!). But here's what we're considering. It will be cut to just below the knees.

A straight skirt like this:

A "cloud" gathered skirt like this:

Layers kind of like this (this is far more "tu-tu" because of all the fabric right now which would be removed!):

Or little ruffles on a straight skirt, much like the skirt on this dress:

Sooo... What do you think?! I would love some opinions!! I am currently leaning towards the the small ruffles on a straight skirt. I think it would be pretty and interesting without being over whelming... The cloud skirt looks a little too bridal to me, and I still have some hesitations about the layers of ruffles. But I like that option, too... Help!!

We've also learned that we are moving to the US in three months time, which is pretty huge considering we are currently in Australia. But DH has already agreed to an anniversary Disneyland photoshoot in my new (old?) dress!! SO EXCITED!!

I'm sorry I didn't answer sooner, I'd missed that you'd updated this thread! I think the dress is going to be beautiful and FUN when it's done. I love the version you chose with the ruffles. Can't wait to see your Disneyland pictures once you've moved and the dress is finished!!

How exciting (and overwhelming!) that you are moving to the U.S.!! Where in the country will you be? Are you planning for this to be a permanent move, or is this a short term thing? Congratulations either way!

Brooke