the custom process

Start your inquiry

The custom process begins by submitting an inquiry through our custom inquiries page which contains more specific details regarding our pricing, turnaround time and initial steps. It also contains our inquiry form which you’ll be required to fill out with some of your personal information and any design ideas you may already have. Once we receive your inquiry, a member of our team will reach out to let you know whether or not we have availability for your date and if we do, a general quote will be provided based on the design ideas you shared. If the price range works for you, we’ll go through the next steps together…

THE design consultation

This initial consultation can be done in person or virtually, and takes place with Jillian herself. The main purpose of this consultation will be to discuss different design options and narrow down the design details together to get a clearer idea of the general design direction. This could include discussions regarding the silhouette, necklines, fabric options, functionality and must haves. Any and all questions are welcomed and encouraged during this appointment to help the client better understand the design direction and process so that they’re confident in moving forward!

Sketches

After the design consultation, Jillian will use all the information gathered to sketch a couple of design options to review via email. The sketches will include both front & back views, and there will usually be between 2-3 different designs to choose from. Once a design is chosen and finalized, a deposit is required as a retainer fee to confirm your order before moving on to the next steps.

Measurements & fabric

Clients who are able to meet in person can be measured by Jillian herself to ensure all measurements are taken as accurately as possible. This appointment is usually joint with a fabric swatch presentation where clients are able to view and choose from fabric options in person.

Clients unable to meet in person will be sent a measurement template and tips to measure themselves. They can also schedule a virtual call where Jillian can guide them through video to take more accurate measurements. In some cases, Jillian can mail physical fabric swatches for international clients to choose from. However for designs involving lace and more intricate fabrics, photos of options will be shared via email.

Construction

Once measurements are taken and the fabric choice is finalized, supplies can be purchased and construction can begin! This involves draping or drafting the pattern to the client’s specific measurements, cutting out all the pieces of fabric and trim, sewing them together at the machine, and using hand finishing techniques to make the design come to life.

fittings

Clients who are able to meet in person will have fittings scheduled with Jillian at the studio. During the first fitting, the custom piece will be about 75 - 90% complete so that the client has a clear idea of what the finished product will look like on their body. At this point, minor alterations can be accommodated and applied before clean finishing the product. Typically, in person clients need 1-2 fittings with Jillian before the final piece is ready to take home.

Similarly, when international clients are willing to travel to the studio for a fitting, the piece will be about 75-90% complete to accommodate any necessary alterations to be completed by Jillian. In the case where the completion of the dress occurs after the client’s travel, the finished product will be shipped to the client.

For clients who are unable to meet in person at all, the custom piece will go straight from construction to a clean finished product. Once the piece is complete, photos of it will be sent via email before it is shipped out of the studio. In this case, Jillian would schedule the order for completion and shipment around 1-2 months ahead of the client’s event date so that any alterations that may be needed can be arranged by the client locally.

Scroll through to get a closer look at each step of the custom process!

Photos on this page taken by Ariana Del Mundo!