Premier Gown Designer: Vintage Opulence
[intro]We LOVE sharing the amazing vendors that we discover with you! Sarah at Vintage Opulence recently made a custom gown for one of our brides, and we couldn’t get over it. She spilled all her best advice for our readers. Enjoy![/intro]
Tell us a little about your business.
I started out selling altered clothing on Ebay about ten years ago and moved over to Etsy about eight years ago. In the beginning I just made dresses that I thought looked pretty and unique but did not intend to be solely a bridal business. People started purchasing my dresses for weddings and I began to move more in that direction. I would estimate that about 90% of my work is now wedding based.
How far in advance should a bride start shopping for a gown and when should she order it by?I would say that nine months to one year is a good time to start the dress design process. Start looking for inspiration pictures and maybe trying on some dresses to establish which style suits you best. When a bride gets in touch and I start my process I’ll send her photos of a mock up design and she may decide to take things in another direction, it’s good to leave enough time for changes.
What is the starting price of your gowns?
My dresses start out at $250 at the low end and go up to the $600 , the price is dependent on how intricate the design is and how unique or antique the fabrics
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What’s the most important thing to remember when selecting a gown?
I think the most important thing is to know what style suits you, what type of existing dress that you own makes you feel most amazing, try some dresses on, establish what flatters your hody.
I cannot wear empire line dresses , they look awful on me, but quite lovely on other people.
What are the latest trends you’ve seen for gowns and bridesmaids dresses?
For the last few years the “shabby chic” , rustic look has been huge, perfect for barn weddings and other outdoor locations. As such I think we’ll see a turn away from that more simpler style to more elaborate and fancy designs. Vintage looks will always be popular. A beautiful 1930s style gown will always be glamorous and flattering.
Do you have on-premise alterations with a seamstresses, or do you have recommendations on where to go?
I don’t have a bricks and mortar shop or premises for alterations. Everything I do is online and for eight years that has worked out just fine for hundreds of brides. If they need final alterations I always offer to do these for free and will cover their shipping costs.
What’s the best way to take care of a gown after the wedding?
I would hang the dress in a closet that gets ventilation. Each dress is different, some can be gently hand washed, some dry cleaned. I will provide information for storage and cleaning on an individual basis.
Who’s your favorite designer lately and why?
Favorite designer, consistently Dolce and Gabana, Chloe, Vivienne Westwood. In terms of bridal design, no one specific designer but I’ll always love designs that echo vintage styles.
Any other tips you’d like to share with our brides?
Research , research, research, by sure of the style you want whilst remaining open to changes in details. If you know the basic shape that works for you, the possibilities for trims and flourishes are endless . Start this process at the least six months ahead of the wedding so as not to rush things, no bride needs any additional stress :).
How can our brides contact you?
Please contact me via my Etsy store
www.vintageopulence.etsy.com
Direct email;
vintageopulence@gmail.com
At my website
www. vintageopulence.com
Or through Facebook or Instagram.
Thank you
Sarah
