So you’re a newly engaged bride — yaaaaay! What’s the first thing on your mind (after sharing the big news with your family and friends, of course)?
If you’re like us, it just might be the dress. It may even have been on your mind way before you got engaged — how many of us can truly say we’re not guilty of sneaking the occasional peak at a favorite designer’s website, or in their shop window?
Your dress is such a huge component of your wedding style, and we know finding one that’s the right fit for you is of the utmost importance. So what could be better than having a bespoke gown made? And by master wedding dress designer Caroline Castigliano, no less?
One of our absolute favorite designers here at STG, Caroline Castigliano has been working at the forefront of British bridal design for 27 years. She’s known for her ultra-unique bespoke gowns, featuring all kinds of fantastic details from the finest fabrics to the signature hidden corset (designed to define and balance your figure to perfection).
Every Caroline Castigliano gown is a one-of-a-kind piece, and each is handcrafted in the UK, and the dreamy Knightsbridge store is one of the world’s ultimate bridal destinations.
That’s why we’re so thrilled to bring you a Q&A with the Caroline Castigliano team on what you can expect from Caroline Castigliano’s bespoke design process. Read on for some serious bridal fashion inspo.
STG: What is the process for designing a bespoke dress with Caroline?
CC: When a client arrives for their initial consultation, they will be hosted at our Knightsbridge store by one of our experienced stylists.
We really work on understanding our bride and the dream she has in mind so we can use our expertise to create that vision for her. The stylist will have a chat with the client explaining the journey of having a Castigliano designer wedding gown created.
The stylist will then guide the client through our handcrafted collection of luxury wedding dresses, explaining our unique couture construction, internal fitting structure, special details and style characteristics, and compile a personalised edit of styles for the client to try.
Once we know the vision and silhouette, the bridal couture process begin. All gowns in the Knightsbridge store are made to measure, which means a specific pattern will be created for each client.
STG: What is the process for choosing fabric for the dress?
CC: We only work with the best, so each fabric is carefully chosen.
Once a style has been selected, the client will have the option to customize the gown and will be shown a selection of exquisite fabrics, laces, and colours – you can add or take away sleeves and embellish your gown to work with your personality and style.
The exquisite fabrics and beadings are handpicked to enhance the designs and make it perfect — the most important consideration is the shape and fit to create a beautiful balanced silhouette.
STG: Do you also make bespoke veils and cover ups?
CC: Yes, our team of bridal style experts will help bring every bride’s vision to life. Once the gown has been selected our team of skilled consultants will work with the bride to create a bespoke veil and cover up to complete the clients wedding dream.
All the little details are cared for by the wonderfully skilled team who are on hand to ensure a seamless experience. After all, it is the little things that will make your big day special.
STG: How much time should brides allow when designing a bespoke dress?
CC: We recommend that you book your first appointment one year in advance of your wedding date if possible — we want to makes sure every detail is covered for the creation of a bespoke gown.
STG: How many fittings should brides expect to have?
CC: An appointment is booked to meet our head of fittings, who will take 20 body measurements so a pattern can be created and tailored specifically for each bride. Three to four follow up appointments will ensure the final fit and finishing is seamless.
STG: Will brides need to visit Caroline in her design studio or your Knightsbridge store?
CC: All appointments are in the Caroline Castigliano flagship store in Knightsbridge.
STG: Is there a budget brides should keep in mind when thinking about having a bespoke dress made?
CC: The collection starts from £5000. A bespoke gown with small design changes from £6500 and a fully couture gown with private meetings with Caroline from £15000.
To begin your bespoke design process at Caroline Castigliano’s flagship store, call +44 (0)207 590 9120 or request an appointment here.
knightsbridge@carolinecastigliano.com
www.carolinecastigliano.com
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Location: Flagship in Knightsbridge, 154 Brompton Road, London
Are you wearing a bespoke Caroline Castigliano gown? If so, tell us all about your experience in the comments!
