Custom-made Gold Sequin Dress for a Birthday Bride!

I just want to add: I envision a hidden back zipper, like in image 4, and the length of the leg slit is great in image no. 3 for example, not too high!

Thanks Shirley!

2. Colour 2 and 3 sequin fabrics seem nice, are you able to please point me to example dresses where you have used this fabric? So that I can understand what the fabric looks like as a dress.

• I don't really like the linen fabric, is there another that you can suggest that would look and feel a bit more luxurious?

5. Yes I think the tulle or organza fabric should be decorated with sequins, could you please suggest a fabric? I am not sure if I prefer a skirt the same as the image, or just one peek of the tulle/organza.

• Is there a way to add some ruching detail to the bodice or hips to provide contrast amongst the fabric? Please see screenshot examples of what I mean.. please don't hesitate to tell me if you think an element would not work!

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Hi Shirley,

• Let's use color #3 sequin fabric please, the sparkling metallic gold.
• I agree, let's go with the subtle pleats on the bodice and let the godets be otherwise the main focal point.
• For the lining, can you please suggest a fabric of a bit higher quality and breathable that would work? In hindsight, I think a gold or champagne colour lining is going to be better than the blue.
• Glitter sequined mesh dyed to match/complement the shade of sequins for the godet details - yes it's great, let's do that please! 🥰 And I agree, let's make the skirt the same style as the dress pictured (should the godets start a little higher up on the legs?)

• I would like to add a dress sketch to my order please, and the mockup service, if you can let me know the new total?
  Thank you,

Carlie

My only fear is the bodice looking very one-dimensional like in this image, I guess my inspiration dress just has more depth in the fabric. I'm not sure how to allay those fears. 🤔

Do you have any dress examples using "Gold sequin, black mesh" ? I wonder if it would align more with my inspiration image no. 3 and offer a little more light and shade..

Thanks for the WhatsApp messages Shirley.

• As mentioned, the skirt concept is great, but the bodice with the flutter sleeves is not working for me, it feels too frumpy and more "bridesmaid" than bride, if that makes sense? 😆
• Can we mimic the bodice of the Jane Hill Sabine dress? Since it's also a solid sequin fabric, I think it offers a better reality of what's achieveable than the other dress which was more intricate.

• Fabric choice update: No. 44, gold sequin black mesh please.
• Lining: Twill high-end lining-100% cotton cuprammonium silk fabric. Champage gold, yes please this looks great!. Unless you think black in the same fabric would work better under the black sequin mesh?
• Godet fabric: Let's do the original suggestion of the glitter sequined mesh, dyed to match the gold shade of the dress please. #30241

I don't have photoshop 🤣 but voila!

• Lining: Twill high-end lining-100% cotton cuprammonium silk fabric: let's do color black indeed please if you have it, I think it will contrast best with the mesh and sequins on top.

"Cap" sleeve length: in fact the photo shared earlier on Whatsapp offers a really nice shape! Imagine this but solid? With the sweetheart neckline, it's quite nice.

Hello!

• Sweetheart neckline please, and yes the cap sleeve to be longer like the picture (I have chunky biceps so, I think it will be more flattering).
• No pleats at the hips, I think it would be too much. We keep the skirt focus on the godets 😊
• Bodice should come in at the waist so that the skirt flows from my natural waist, not empire cut or starting lower down please.

Subtle pleats on the bodice as discussed on messenger sounds perfect.

Love your suggestion of this fabric for the godet details: https://oneyard.shop/gold-sequins-black-mesh-tassel-fabric-1809.html

Thank you for all of your help, I will reflect and order soon!

Just a note to add Shirley that I imagine the cap sleeves to be sewn similar to this, so that I can still freely raise my arms and they're not restricted by where they're attached to the bodice.

Great! Also do I need to be specific about the sleeves having some structure, or will the dressmaker know how to build them out so that they sit correctly?

Good reference for a longer sleeve than the Sabine version 🤓

Ordered!

Here's a little overall summary I wrote for the sketch 🤓 not sure we need the leg slit afterall, what do you think?

• The dress is to be made from sparkly gold sequin fabric https://oneyard.shop/gold-sequins-on-black-mesh-dress-fabric-1116.html
• with black lining: Twill high-end lining-100% cotton cuprammonium silk fabric.
• Floor length.
• Godets in the skirt to be made of soft black mesh, with many tassels of sparkly gold sequins for a nice contrast: https://oneyard.shop/gold-sequins-black-mesh-tassel-fabric-1809.html
• A sweetheart neckline bodice with internal boning please for structure. Elegant cap sleeves, about halfway to the elbow in length. I plan to be able to wear a bra for support with this dress, hence having shoulder straps.
• A hidden back zip. The bodice should come down a little at the back - but at a height that still covers a bra across the back. See reference photo of me in the Eliza Jane Howell dress from the back.
• Bodice to be fitted and end at the true waist.
• A-line skirt that begins from the true waist, complementing my curves, with the godets starting at mid-thigh height.
• A modest train that I will be able to bustle after the ceremony.

Inspiration dresses:
- Bodice and sleeves of the Jane Hill Sabine dress.

- Sweeheart neckline for screenshot image shared in the discussion thread.

- Longer cap sleeves of the gold dress also shared above.-

- Skirt of the Eliza Jane Howell 'Sibella' dress. See photos of me in this dress in the discussion thread for further reference.
Please note I am a UK size 16, hourglass in shape. UK 36E bust.

Full measurements to come this weekend!

Thank you! I agree, no slit needed.

Here are my measurements:

Height (barefoot): 168cm
Back Shoulder Width: 44cm
Bust(fullest portion): 104cm
Under Bust: 87cm
Mid-Shoulder to Bust Point: 28cm
Waist(smallest portion of your waist): 92cm
Hips(fullest portion of your butt): 117cm
Hollow to Floor(barefoot): 142cm
Shoe Height: 7cm
Arm Circumference: 39cm
Armscye: 44.5cm
Sleeve Length: 21cm
Train Length: 40cm

Thanks! I mean, I don't need to see a plus-size model in the sketch 😆 whatever is easier, if you happen to have a more average-size template that'd be great, if not, your usual model is fine.

There is no rush at all, but it would be great to please see a photo of a typical bodice interior similar to what your dressmaker would be doing for my dress, just so I can decide whether to plan for wearing a bra or having cups included in the dress itself. I am not sure what the best approach is 🧐

The sketches are wonderful, thank you!

Thank you for the corset photos, they look great, let's do that 😊

Will I be sent the image files of the sketches?

Perfect, email is great please. Noted for the file size.

Built-in bra looks great. I'm happy to plan for no bra if the bodice will offer good support.

Looking forward to the mockup!

Hello! Just checking, will you let me know when the mock-up is sent?

Super, thanks! Do I pin the mockup if changes are needed and send it back, or do I just tell you in this chat with photos etc?

Ok that's noted, thanks!

Hello! The mockup has arrived, thank you! There are some adjustments to make, I will hopefully get some help measuring in the coming days and will send them over.

Hello! Mockup photos and measurements incoming 😁

1. Please add 20cm to the length of the train (so that there's more fabric with which we can create a nice bustle).

2. Please add 2cm to the hem of the dress at the front.

3. Shoulder seams: Please add 1.5cm to each side.

General photo so you can see the current width versus where my bra straps sit. We think the straps offer a better width profile.

4. Underarm seam to bust: please make this 6cm total on each side.

5. You'll see the mockup is just a little too tight at bust/nipple level, so please add 1cm to each of those two bust seams.

6. Sleeve seam at the front: please make it 4cm shorter. As you'll see in the second photo, I cannot currently lift my arms above my head.

7. Sleeve length: Please add 6cm

That's all!

Noting the extra length needed as indicated above, I think the skirt otherwise fits and looks/moves beautifully, I'm very excited about it! 😌

Thank you!

Does you team leave a seam allowance in case alterations are needed?

Hello! I'm just wondering how my dress is progressing?

Great, thanks for the update!

Oh the anticipation! 😀

Thanks, my first concern is that the gold appears much darker and more muted than anticipated.

Do you have a video you could send me?

Thank you! I'm going to reflect today and then send you my feedback.

Thank you, I will trust your judgement. I was surprised when I saw the colour/shade of gold, as it was not what I was expecting.

I will accept the discount, as I will need to re-purchase some accessories to better match the different shade of gold.

Is it possible to see the inside lining? I see the skirt fabric is slightly transparent so I just want to understand how far down it is lined 🤓

Thank you!

Hello Shirley!

I just wanted to let you know the dress arrived and it's stunning! You were right, thank you so much.

The bodice straps just need a little adjusting to stay on my shoulders, and I'll have an alterations woman add a bustle too.

I'm very excited to wear it for my wedding-birthday celebration! 🥳

Thanks! Yes I always planned to add the bustle button later, once we saw it on me and could decide where it would best go heigh-wise, so not a problem.

I think I will ask the alterations woman to add snap closures to the inside shoulders so I can secure them to a bra strap to stay on, I will see what she suggests.

And yes! My photographer has aksed for the social media handles of my suppliers, so that he can tag you in the final photos. I'll be sure to send you some if he doesn't.