Why should I have a dress custom-designed?

    There are two reasons to have a dress custom-designed. First is quality. Most off-the-rack clothing has been mass-produced overseas. To remain competitive these days, manufacturers must do everything they can to reduce costs. This includes taking shortcuts whenever possible.
A custom-designed dress is made by hand, using the finest materials and techniques. There are no shortcuts. The dress is crafted with care and love, and built to last. The quality is in the details – the personalized design, the correct foundation, and the impeccable hand stitching.
The other reason is to be able to wear a garment that is as special as you are, and as special as the occasion you are dressing for. With a custom design you can be sure that you are the only one wearing that particular dress. You will also enjoy knowing that the dress reflects your individual personality because you worked with the designer to create it specifically for you.

How long will it take to have my dress made?

    The length of time needed to create a dress or gown depends upon the complexity of the design. As a rule of thumb, formal dresses take a minimum of three months whereas a wedding gown takes a minimum of six months. However, clients can pay rush charges to expedite the process.

Will you do alterations?

Yelena would be happy to restyle and adjust your finer garments. If you have a special garment that needs a fresh look, Yelena can make style changes, or design custom accessories, to give it a whole new feel. Yelena can properly adjust a garment due to weight change, maintaining the designer's silhouette and style.

What’s involved in the custom-design process?

    It begins with the design. If a client is looking for an innovative, one-of-a-kind creation, then the designer will sit down with them and discuss what the dress is for, what image they want to convey, and any other practical concerns (e.g., will you be dancing in it).
Once they have established the parameters, they will start to exchange ideas, looking through fashion magazines and such to determine what interests the client. Based on that input, the designer will draft a sketch of the garment and present it to the client, discussing details such as fabric, foundation, and embellishments.
After the design and materials are agreed upon, a price quote will be provided. Typically one third of the payment is due at this time. The second third is due once the muslin has been completed to the client’s satisfaction. The balance is due 2 weeks prior to picking up the finished garment.
Once the financials have been addressed, then measurements are taken and the designer will begin the dress, starting with a muslin version of the dress to check the fit and design details.
Because the dress is being tailored to the client’s specific measurements, several fittings will be required during the process. These also provide a forum for the client to give feedback on the design. Once the dress is complete and the client is satisfied, any necessary adjustments are made to ensure proper fit and lasting performance.

How much does it cost?

    Custom clothing prices will vary because each design is as unique as the client for whom it is being made. Naturally, the price will be affected by the cost of the materials, complexity of the design, and intricacy of the pattern work. What you will not be charged for is the overhead of the big designers’ name. It is not realistic to expect fine quality custom clothing to cost less than budget to moderately priced off-the-rack apparel. If you have a particular budget in mind for a garment, share it with Yelena; she may be able to suggest fabrics, style modifications and techniques that will meet your budget. However, Yelena reserves the right, not to accept any fabric she feels would be inappropriate for the particular garment’s design.

Why should I choose an independent custom clothier such as Yelena Couture instead of a well-know designer?

    Working with well-know designers is very expensive and often problematic. These designers charge significantly more for their services because they spend a considerable amount of money on marketing their brand. In addition, their focus is primarily on celebrity clientele, who can further boost their brand’s image simply by wearing their dresses in public. Dresses for non-celebrity clientele are typically put on the back burner at these shops.
On the other hand, an independent custom clothier treats every client like a celebrity. You and your dress will be a priority for them. And they can provide the same quality (many of them have worked for top designers) at a reduced cost because they do not have all the expenses and trappings of a major label.