couture bridal gowns and heirloom wedding gowns redesign

wedding attire and hierloom wedding gowns

The Couture Process

If you have "something old"...
As a third-generation, international couture wedding gown designer, Claudine has the artistry, skills and experience to redesign and repair heirloom wedding gowns, as well as to envision new creations for wedding attire and other very special occasions.

You are welcome to inquire about assistance with special bridal alterations, and other couture gowns, which Claudine provides as time permits.

Complete couture service includes the personal attention of the couturière throughout the process.

couture bridal dresses and wedding attire

Each couture bridal gown design requires a minimum of three fittings, and concludes with preparing the completed gown for your special ceremony.

Make an appointment for your first consultation.
Initial consultation. An initial consultation allows you to share your dream with Claudine. Bring to the bridal salon any and all ideas you have — photographs, magazine tear sheets, or simply a verbal description of what you envision. Together you will explore various options, including necklines, skirt shapes, sleeve length and fabrications. Claudine will work her magic, translating your ideas into a rough sketch that will become the pattern for the muslin sample. Wear light clothing to this first meeting, as Claudine will also take your measurements at this time.
The muslin fitting. At your first fitting, you will model a "design garment" made to your measurements in muslin fabric. This garment is your pattern. At this fitting, any minor design changes and alterations are addressed. Final fabric, beading and lace are selected at this appointment. Claudine also designs each custom headpiece to complement a bride's distinctive look, which will be discussed at this fitting.
First garment fitting. At this fitting, you will try on your couture bridal dress for the very first time. The wedding gown is marked for final adjustments and alterations, including the hemline. Claudine asks that you bring the wedding shoes you will wear. If additional fittings are required, they will be scheduled at this time.
The final fitting. You will don your completed couture bridal gown. Bring wedding shoes and jewelry so Claudine can assist with your final accessory decisions. An appointment is made at this time to pick up your wedding dress at Claudine's bridal salon, or you can arrange for our "Day of Wedding Delivery Service."
Pressing & steaming. One to two days prior to your scheduled pick up, the wedding dress, bridal veil and bridal headpiece are pressed and steamed. Your couture bridal gown then will need to hang from three to eight hours, depending on its design and fabrication, before it can be bagged for travel.
Gown preservation. You now have a family heirloom wedding gown in addition to a beautiful couture bridal dress. You may return it to Claudine for cleaning and preservation. Your cleaned wedding attire will be returned to you in museum-quality packaging.