WHAT TO EXPECT
It's so exciting that you have decided to look into have something beautiful made just for you. No matter the occasion, your custom piece will be designed, crafted, and finished with you in mind. So what can you expect during your custom made journey.​
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​The very first step is to book in a 15 min chat with Mel. This is where you can ask Mel all those questions you have about having your dream piece made. A great way to see if this is the right avenue for you. Alternatively you can book in for a Design Consultation which is in person at the Bulleen Studio.​
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Once you have decided that you would like to move to the next stage, it's time to book in for a Design Consultation. This is where the fun begins. Mel will discuss with you all the details of your event, the type of garment you are wanting to have made, your design inspiration, preferences on silhouette and style. During this appointment Mel will take you through possible design concepts, as well as ideal fabrics choices and colour options.
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DESIGN CONCEPT​
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Once Mel has all the information she needs and we are full steam ahead, it's time for Mel to get into the creative zone and design for you up to four options for your custom piece. Each design will be sketched to showcase the elements discussed and agreed upon in the design consultation, as well as details that will suit both your shape and style, and be event appropriate. Accompanying the sketches will be quotes based on the work involved and fabrications (if already chosen).Once you agree to one of the designs, your contract and invoice will be emailed to you.​​
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MEASUREMENTS & FITTINGS
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So you've signed your contract and paid your deposit, now it's time to start the construction process, beginning with measurements. Taking accurate measurements is so important in delivering a perfectly fit garment.. During this first appointment Mel will take several body measurements to ensure that the correct placement of lines, darts, and hems are drafted in the pattern making process. Once all your measurements have been taken it's time for Mel to get to work on your block and pattern construction.​
​The first fittings you will have will be for your toile. A toile is a mock up or practice of the different elements of your piece. Depending on the style and complexity of the design you have a several toile fittings to ensure the design for your piece fits you in shape, style and size. This is one of the most important steps in creating custom pieces. Every body is shaped and proportioned differently, and a successful toile fitting ensures the fit will be right once work on the fashion fabric begins. At this stage fabrics need to be finalised and purchased. If customised fabrics are need they will already have been ordered so they are available once the toile stage is finished.
During the construction of your custom piece, you will have 4 or more fittings before your piece is complete. The number of fittings will depend on the complexity of the piece, the timeframe in which we need to complete the piece, and if there are any details that require a longer construction process -eg. if internal corsetry is required for a piece, this needs to be constructed and completed before work on the outer garment can begin.
FINAL FITTINGS & PICK UP​
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It's here your final fitting! This is the fitting where every element of your piece has been painstakingly crafted, and meticulously completed. Your custom piece is pressed and hanging in the studio ready for you to try it on one last time before you take it home. Every detail of your custom piece is inspected, as you try it on, to make sure it is as it should be, any final adjustments are noted and attended to before you visit the Mel Rose Studio to pick up your completed custom piece. The pick up appointment is an emotional one, full of joy and happiness as you take ownership of your very own custom Mel Rose Couture creation. Your piece is hung inside the dress bag, steamed to make sure nothing needs to be done before you slip it on for your special event.. At these last fittings Mel will always urge you to bring along the accessories you plan to wear with your piece, it's always fun to have a little dress up session before you take your beautiful piece home.​