WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DRESSMAKER AND A DESIGNER?
WHAT IS COUTURE?
WHAT IS THE COUTURE PROCESS?
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
WHAT IS A TOILE?
WHAT WILL ALL THIS COST?
WILL I HAVE TO BUY MY OWN FABRIC ON TOP OF THAT?
WHY DOES IT COST LESS THAN OTHER COUTURE HOUSES?
WHY DOES IT COST MORE THAN THE HIGH STREET?
WHAT IS CATHERINE'S BACKGROUND?
CAN I PLACE AN ORDER ONLINE?
HOW CAN I MAKE AN ENQUIRY?
WHERE IS YOUR SHOP?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DRESSMAKER AND A COUTURE DESIGNER? A dressmaker will ask you to find your own fabric and style, and will make up whatever you tell her to.
A designer is trained in visualisation and will present you with a selection of fabrics and design sketches which have been skillfully created to flatter you and only you.
WHAT IS COUTURE? Exclusive and non-mass production outfits, designed and hand-made to enhance a specific woman.
WHAT IS THE COUTURE PROCESS? After an initial consultation, fabric swatches and design sketches are presented to you. If you choose to place an order at this point, the process begins:
Your measurements are taken and a pattern is made to your measurements (and thereafter kept on file for you). A toile is prepared if necessary. There are several fittings, and all this is done (within reason) at your convenience.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? This depends on how complex the style/ handwork is, and how busy a time of year it is. Ideally though, a simple shift dress would take about 1 month, and a heavily handworked evening dress could take from 1 to 6 months.
WHAT IS A TOILE? This is a mockup of your outfit, usually made in calico. It is cut, sewn and fitted as a trial before your outfit is cut in the final fabric. This is obviously a labour intensive process, but does help ensure an excellent fit.
WHAT WILL ALL THIS COST? Less than you might imagine! Cost is determined mainly by the amount of time taken to make a garment, but also by the materials used. If you you purchase your Catherine Devereux outfit through a shop, prices could be somewhat higher than quoted here, but if you deal directly with Catherine, you will receive an exact quote within this price range (for the dress and for any accessories) at the same time as your sketches.
A plain shift dress or the gold dress for the little bridesmaid at right would cost about £120.00.
A style with no inner support, but some beadwork (like the blue one at right) would cost about £150.00.
A layered dress with inner support (like the red one at the right) would cost about £170.00.
A intensively worked wedding dress or Oscar Night style ballgown would cost up to £1500.00
WILL I HAVE TO BUY MY OWN FABRIC ON TOP OF THAT? No, all you need to do is give Catherine an idea of what your tastes are, and what you are looking for. She will source fabrics, design the styles, and present them to you at your convenience.
WHY DOES IT COST LESS THAN OTHER COUTURE HOUSES? Many other Couture houses have vast advertising and catwalk show expenses, as well as large, heavily staffed premises in luxury shopping districts.
Catherine relies entirely on word-of-mouth to publicise her work, and executes most of it herself. She also offers such personalised service to her clients that she has not found it necessary to open a dedicated shop yet.
WHY DOES IT COST MORE THAN THE HIGH STREET? High street clothing is mass produced, using bulk fabric discounts and often, sadly, poorly paid seamstresses.
Catherine makes totaly unique outfits, individually handmade in England. Each garment takes several weeks of intensive, skilled hand work to make, and there will never be another one to match it.
WHAT IS CATHERINE'S BACKGROUND? She has been designing since 1989, and has gleaned experience from many areas including lingerie, gymwear, ladieswear, bridal wear and occasion wear. She studied at the South African Academy, Cape Town, and has also brushed up on her skills at Central St Martins, London. She is a member of the Costume Society.
CAN I PLACE AN ORDER ONLINE? Yes, we have many international clients, and postal orders are easily arranged by e-mail or phone.
HOW CAN I MAKE AN ENQUIRY? Please phone 079 4670 2901 or e-mail mail@catherinedevereux.com
WHERE IS YOUR SHOP? Most of Catherines' clients prefer the convenience of a consultation in their own home or workplace, at a time of their choosing. Some choose to visit Catherine in her work studio by appointment. Due to the degree of personal service offered, there has proved to be no need for a dedicated shop, and Catherines' clothing is now only available direct. Please phone 079 4670 2901 or e-mail mail@catherinedevereux.com
