1. Why should I buy a ‘made to measure’ garment or accessory?

There are many reasons, some more obvious than others:

• Because you are tired of spending money to look like everyone else (ever had a ghastly ‘snap syndrome’ moment at a party?) and you’d like something entirely one-off and made especially for you.
• Because you don’t want to be dictated to by the fashion powers that be. You have a very clear idea of what you would like (perhaps your dream dress?), but can’t find it anywhere.
• Because you would like something that brings out the best of you – your colouring, your figure, your style AND that works with the rest of your wardrobe, so you can wear it again and again.
• Because you are not a standard or ‘off the peg’ size and would like something to fit you perfectly.
  Because you have a garment or an accessory in your wardrobe that you long to wear, but you can’t find anything out there to go with it and so need something designed to complement it.
• Because you would like to receive the advice and encouragement of a warm, discerning and qualified team of stylists and designers who will ensure you ‘step out’ looking your best. The Lucia Silver team can create a whole ‘head to toe look’ for you alone – a service you’d never find on the high street.

 2. What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• An open mind: Try lots on. You may be surprised what suits you and you don’t want to miss out on something special. You may also find that you like the neckline or sleeve of one, but the fabric of another – all this helps to identify the perfect design for you.
• A budget: Money matters. It’s not the most romantic part, but it is one of the first things to decide, especially with bridal-wear. This allows us all to focus from the onset on designs that are possible within your budget and to know where we may need to make savings to ensure you end up with the design you dreamed of.
• Pictures of garments and accessories that you like from magazines/the internet. This will help our design team to understand exactly what you’re looking for.
• Wear good underwear that gives you a shape you like. If you’re not sure about this, don’t worry, there is lots of advice on hand at Lucia Silver! You will be amazed what a difference getting this right makes …
• Good company. Best friends and mums are obvious choices, but your best ally is someone whose opinion you trust and who will tell you the truth (but not in a Trinny and Susannah style, obviously). More than two is definitely a crowd - too many opinions is confusing not helpful.

3. How does made to measure work?

• You discuss your requirements, the occasion (if there is one) and any thoughts you may have about what you would like with our style and design team.
• We look at portfolios and try on samples to get an idea of what you like and what suits you. We also look at the huge selection of colours and fabrics. We choose a design(s) and/or accessories and take any measurements necessary to ensure a perfect fit.
  
• If a toile or ‘mock up’ of your garment is required, this will be ready at your next fitting. This ‘mock-up’ allows us to control the design and fitting process. Before we create your pattern and cut into your final fabric, we ensure that all the elements are correct and to your liking (the overall shape or silhouette, the neckline, the sleeves etc.). Further fittings may be needed with the ‘mock up’ if substantial changes have been made, otherwise we move into your final fabric. We will need underwear and shoes at these fittings.
• During your garment mock-up stage, we will also be ready with the first stage of your accessories – whether this is jewellery, shoes, hair accessories or other adornments. We can see the ‘whole look’ coming together and check that all garments and accessories are working well together and that the colour palette is harmonised.
• Once fabric has been chosen, your garment is then made and you will have your first fabric fitting. Usually only the hem and minor finishing details remain to complete. Your accessories are usually complete at this stage aswell.

4. What garments or items do you make?

• You will need to come to see us to answer this question! There are too many to list here. The truth is there is very little that we don’t do. Our focus is on occasion wear, so you wouldn’t come to us to make you a pair of jeans or a conventional work suit as there are so many places that offer this (and you are welcome to use our personal shopping services for items we don’t make). We are more about defining pieces that are perfectly suited to your colouring, figure and style.

5. What materials do you use?

• Lucia insists where possible we work with highest quality natural fabrics, so the majority of our designs are in pure silks (velvet, jersey, crepe, satin, chiffon, georgette etc.). All embroideries and beading are by hand, not mass manufactured. Our classic garments are all made in England.
• We’ve been known to travel the oceans for the right button or crystal and nowhere is this more true than the materials we use for our jewellery and hair pieces. These are often vintage and sourced from more exotic shores! These are the details that make each of our designs entirely unique.

6. How long does it take?

• This obviously depends on the garment or accessory in question.
• A simpler garment that doesn’t require special fittings can be turned around in 2-3 weeks in the less busy seasons. But more typical is 4-6 weeks which allows for up to 2-3 fittings. Bridal dresses or heavily boned or beaded garments can take up to 4-6 months depending on the design, fit and your availability.
• Most jewellery, hats and hair pieces, shoes and other accessories can be completed in under 3 weeks.

7. How much does it cost?

• Difficult to answer without a specific design … Dresses start at £195 (without fittings but a choice of over 100 colours/fabrics), Tops start at £85, Jackets at £295
• Jewellery starts at under £50
• Hair pieces start at under £30

8. What are your opening or fitting times? How often do I have to come for a fitting?

• We see you by scheduled appointment and will work around your busy schedule to find times that suit you. We can offer after work times and weekends – but these get booked up fast, so make sure you book in with us nice and early if you know you will need these times.
• The number of fittings depends entirely on the design in question and your fit: Standard sizes that don’t require the toile (‘mock-up’) process may not require any fittings at all, while a couture evening or bridal dress for a more irregular shape may need up to 4 or 5 fittings.Two fittings before collection is most typical.

9. What if I am not happy with my design?

• It is our business to ensure you are happy and we will do everything in our power to make this happen!
• We take great care to manage the process thoughtfully and intelligently, creating a balance between keeping you in control and addressing your concerns as we work and BEFORE final fabric (or final ‘make-up’ with your accessories) whilst guiding you with our expertise and knowledge of what will and won’t work with fabrics, designs, body types and so forth.
• The beauty of the toile or mock up is that you see the exact shape of the dress before it is made. Any concerns that you have, or changes that are required can be addressed at this stage. There is therefore no surprise when the design is made up in the final fabric!