From Sketch to Dance Floor –Creating Elise’s Evening Dress

Elise & Michael married on the 3rd of May 2025, and I had the total pleasure of working with her over the course of a year to create something truly special for her evening look. From our very first appointment, it was clear Elise had a thoughtful eye and appreciation for subtle textures and clean lines — which instantly had me excited.

She had already found her ceremony gown, a stunning Chosen by Kyha piece from The White Closet in Manchester, and wanted something different for the evening celebration — something a bit sexier, more relaxed, but still considered and elegant.

Elise loves the plainer fabrics, but the kind that speak for themselves. She was drawn to texture that came from natural drape and light, rather than embellishment — one of my favourite things to work with. I sourced a beautiful silk satin-backed crepe locally, just outside of Macclesfield, which was indescribably soft and had a gorgeous translucency.

Embracing the translucent nature of the fabric, the base of the dress was a sheer corset with visible boning detail and a dropped waist, anchored to a skin-coloured stretch skirt underneath for movement (because a party dress needs to move). Over this, I draped the silk in soft, organic folds, letting the fabric tell us where it wanted to go.

Creating the base corsetry structure

During one of Elise’s fittings, we had originally envisioned a short dress with a straight hem, but once we saw how the folds were sitting, it became clear the dress wanted something different. We let the silk fall naturally into an asymmetrical line — and it was perfect. It added such a unique, sculptural quality that felt perfectly in tune with Elise’s style.

Elise at her final fitting in her custom made dress

To complete the look, I created a draped silk scarf from the remaining fabric — a little detail I am loving at the moment — and finished the dress with tiny handmade buttons at the back, which are always one of my favourite finishing touches.

Elise wore the dress with the cutest white Jimmy Choos with bows on the toes, and honestly, the whole look came together effortlessly.

Hand-pressing these tiny covered buttons in matching silk fabric

This dress was such a joy to make — not just because of the design, but because working with Elise made the whole process feel collaborative and personal. It’s one of the things I enjoy most about bespoke — watching a design take shape through fittings, conversations, and subtle shifts that make it truly individual.

Elise looking sensational on her wedding day. Photographed by Urban Photo Lab

Are you looking for a unique and personal dress made just for you? Send over a message, I would love to chat about it!