Custom Design by JM Couturière
"I was amazed at Janna's expertise regarding fabrics, cost, shapes of dresses and colors! It was such a fun experience from beginning to end, and would do it all again in a heartbeat!
Thank you for everything Janna!"
— Katlyn, Custom Bridal Client
The Custom Design Process:
How Does It Work?
JM Couturiere was born out of the love of couture. Couture literally translates to “dressmaking” in French and, by definition, is any fashionable garment made to a client’s measurements and specifications.
What started as a hobby of making my sisters’ special occasion gowns, and my own wedding dress, has now become my passion. I am thrilled to offer my clients an experience of a lifetime by creating that unique garment of their dreams. There is something incredibly special about a garment as one-of-a-kind as you are, made by hand with love. This garment becomes a treasure to behold to pass down to future generations as a family heirloom.
The custom process offers a unique collaboration between designer and client. It’s a fun and highly personalized experience I encourage you to explore. From inspiration, to sketch, to finished product, you are integral to the entire experience. Although my specialty is bridal attire including children’s wedding wear, services go beyond that into formalwear, maternity wear, and bridal accessories. Every commissioned piece is hand made by me in my home studio with utmost care and love.
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So, how does our custom garment process work?
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Step 1 - The Meet & Greet - 1 Hour Consultation
First, we get to know each other, either in person at my studio, by phone or zoom call, whichever you are comfortable with. I will need all the details of your event such as date, time, color scheme, “vibe” of the event, décor, etc.
Most importantly, I need to know about you, what inspires you, your likes and dislikes, look at fabric options and simply explore all possibilities for your perfect ensemble! The Meet and Greet ultimately ensures we both feel comfortable as a team since we will spend a lot of time together over the next few months. Communication and comfort are very important for this process. This 1-hour initial consultation is complimentary.
If you're interested in a custom design option, I will put a design proposal together for you. The upfront cost for the proposal is a non-refundable $150.
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After our meet and greet, I'll have a good idea of your personal taste. I source fabrics and findings (such as beading) if my own collection of options does not meet your needs. Initial design ideas are put to paper and a pricing range indicated. After fabrications arrive and draft sketches are prepared, we meet again. At this stage, you decide your favorite fabrics, color selection, and overall design direction. Changes can be made to the sketches as we zero in on your perfect garment. There may be a second meeting if I need to make revisions for the design sketch. I ultimately present to you the final sketch, with your selections and estimated cost.
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At this point, you then decide whether to say “Yes!” to the custom attire and move on to Step 3 or exit the process. Based on my experience (and many happy clients) I'm confident you will fall in love with YOUR design! The $150 proposal fee is non-refundable if you choose not to move forward with a custom design. If you say “yes!” to the custom design, I apply the $150 fee to your final invoice, acting as a credit.
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Step 3 - Creation of Your Garment Begins
After you say “YES!”, a 25% minimum deposit based on the estimate is required. I am happy to arrange a payment plan suitable for you and your circumstances, i.e., weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or other, for 1 – 6 months.
The first fitting is a muslin shell fitting. This helps me work out any major fit issues for more ease in drafting your design patterns. This may take 1 or 2 fittings. I then draft your actual design patterns and we fit the mockup of your garment, technically known as a toile. Your input on the fit/design is critical through all stages and I am happy to make changes at any point. I will advise if any changes have implications on pricing or how it will affect fit. Open and honest communication at this stage of the process is vital to ensure expectations are being met.
Step 4 - Finished Garment
After all fit and design kinks are worked out, your fabrics are ordered and construction of your custom garment begins. There will be several fittings during this time to ensure fit and design are perfect – I call these working fittings.
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Et voila, we have your final fitting; I cry and you cry. It is truly an emotional experience when you wear the finished product that you designed!
Services & Pricing
Custom Bridal
Gown, jumpsuit, second look, multi-garment ensemble and more.
From $2,000
Custom Accessory
Veil, belt, detachable skirt, hair piece, robe and more.
From $150
Custom Formal
Includes prom, pageant, mother of the bride, reception dress and more.
From $1,250
Custom Childrenswear
Flower girl, miniature bride, christening, first communion and more
