Gloves... In A Bottle??

Yes, you read that right. There is such a thing, and I am going to point you - all my fellow creatives and basically anyone whose hands are their biggest assets - in the right direction. 

**I may earn a small commission from any purchases made from links on this page, but if you know me at all, you know I wouldn't recommend anything I don't use or try for myself!**

So, let's get into it. Gloves In A Bottle was sent to me to try about a month ago through the Amazon Associates/Influencer program* 

Here's my first impression and firsthand experience of using Gloves In A Bottle:

Honestly, I like it. It really does what it says it's going to do, which is form a protective barrier over the skin of your hands over a period of time that doesn't wash off and acts as a shield for your future self. Have I ever shown you the condition of my finger tips from hand sewing through multiple layers with a needle? Bridal work is savage, I tell you. 

Gloves In A Bottle works so well for someone like me, where I'm always washing my hands periodically while working with white fabrics for bridal and handling expensive machinery and materials, as well as all the handwashing that happens as a mum and home baker. My hands feel really smooth when I rub them together now, like there's another layer between my palms that is reducing that friction stickiness or palm sweat that can happen from natural oils in the body. 

 

Best of all, this product doesn't rub off on whatever I'm handling. I don't have to worry about grease stains or discoloured spots on the most precious of materials - my silks and satins or laces - and I don't have to sacrifice the wellbeing of my hands to do that. In the past, stopping every half hour or so to wash my hands when working with white fabrics would mean extra time but also extra dryness after a while. Gloves In A Bottle is saving me on all levels.

Grab yours today and try it for yourself! You won't regret it. 

xoxo,

*You can check out my Amazon store here, which has a bunch of products and reviews beyond my life as a designer/fashion artist, but also what I use as a wife and mother of four and a home baker ('D' Bridal Baker). 

 

The VdV Edit: Have I Got Shoes For You!

Let’s talk about one of the most unexpectedly stressful parts of bridal dressing:

Shoes.

If I had a dollar for every bride who stood in my studio saying,
“Darcel, I still haven't found my shoes…”

I would personally fund a footwear vault.

And shoes are one of the things we discuss at the very start at consultation, so it can feel a little panicky to be halfway through the fittings process and still not know, or be able to find, the perfect fit.

Finding the right shoe is easily one of the most difficult parts of finishing a bridal or special occasion look. The dress gets all the glory, but the shoe? The shoe has to work. It has to support fittings. It has to carry you through photos. It has to survive a ceremony, cocktail hour, and a reception where you absolutely will be dancing.

And here’s the first thing I tell my brides:

Your wedding shoes do not have to be white to be bridal.

(Read that again.)

White is beautiful. Ivory is classic. But bridal is about intention, not colour. Champagne, blush, gold, blue, even a statement tone — all fair game. (We’ll dive deeper into adding a pop of colour in your wedding ensemble in another post soon.)

Now, after years of fittings, hemming, bustling, and watching brides test-walk across my studio floor, I have seen too many beautiful shoes not to share the ones that consistently deliver.

So welcome to the very first VdV Edit - shoes that have passed through my studio before my very eyes and earned my approval, or even footwear I myself have purchased and can attest to.

Girl, have I got a link for you.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them — at no additional cost to you. I only share pieces that have passed through the VdV studio and earned my personal approval.

The Elegant Minimalist Heel

These are the barely-there, clean-line, elongating-the-leg kind of heels. Perfect for modern brides, satin gowns, crepe silhouettes, or anything architectural.

One brand that consistently delivers when it comes to special occasion footwear is Badgley Mischka. Known as the go-to footwear for bridal clients, here is one of the top picks from this brand that I have seen brides choose:

• The Cher Pump (the Regal Blue has passed through the studio three times, to be exact!)

  
  

  The Badgley Mischka Cher Pump in Regal Blue and Soft White
  
  Another timeless option, with a platform for some extra height and just enough sparkle at the back to still be elegant but special:

• The Kiara Platform Pump

                 
  The Badgley Mischka Kiara Pump in Ivory (left) and White (right)
  
  
  
  

What I look for:

• Stable heel placement (no awkward wobble during fittings)

• Good ankle strap support where relevant

• Clean finishing — no visible glue or uneven dye

• Cushioning that can survive at least 6–8 hours

If it looks delicate but feels sturdy? That’s a win.

The Statement Heel (For the Bride Who Understands Fashion)

I have seen rhinestone bows, sculpted heels, pearl embellishments, florals - and I support all of it.

Especially when your dress is clean and structured, a statement shoe underneath is such a beautiful surprise moment.

Studio-approved favourites:

• Jessica Simpson Olivine - I mean, just look at her!

• Badgley Mischka Olympia Sandal - this is a classic sparkly strappy heel that can serve you well for any special event!
• 
  

                    
  Badgley Mischka Olympia Sandal
  
  

• Betsey Johnson Lorra Heel - this one was definitely the one for a VdV bride in November 2025, and it's so much more beautiful in person, believe me!

                       

Betsey Johnson Lorra Heel

Pro tip: If you’re doing a shorter dress, a slit, or a second reception look - this is your moment.

The Comfort-First Bridal Heel

Now let’s talk about reality.

Some of you are not “12-hour stiletto” women. And that is perfectly fine (I type this with a single tear rolling down my cheek, but it's fine... really, I'll be okay... I think...)

Block heels. Lower kitten heels. Even a beautifully finished bridal sandal.

I have had brides stand in fittings for hours without a single complaint in these:

• Badgley Mischka Blakeley Wedge Sandal - I'll be perfectly honest, I would be the last person to recommend wearing wedges on your wedding day, but these fit the bill beautifully if heels are too uncomfortable and work well for outdoor, grassy settings!

Badgley Mischka Blakeley Wedge Sandal

• Pointed Toe Pearl Wedding Flats - The bride who wore these was perfectly on trend for her Baroque period-themed wedding and was able to dance all night long without complaint!

  
  Pointed Toe Pearl Wedding Flats
  
  
  

• Zzheels Bow Knot Chunky Heel - A stack heel is a great way to get some height without the pain of a stiletto, and super chunky heels are very on trend in recent times!

  
  

  
  Zzheels Bow Knot Chunky Heel
  
  

What matters here:

• Padding in the ball of the foot

• A heel height you’ve actually worn before

• An ankle strap if you’re not confident walking in heels

Your face should glow in photos — not strain because your feet are on fire.

The Unexpected Colour Moment

Listen to me carefully.

Champagne. Soft blue. Blush. Metallic gold. Even something intense like fuchsia or a deep jewel tone. You're the bride. You can do what you want.

These tones photograph beautifully and often complement ivory gowns better than stark white ever could.

Some favourites I’ve seen styled beautifully:

• IvoireCh 4" Pearl Wedding Sandals in Champagne

  
  IvoireCh 4" Pearl Wedding Sandals in Champagne

• DREAM PAIRS D'Orsay Wedding Party Pumps - These exist in white, but the blue pair is currently in studio for fittings waiting patiently for the grand entrance in April 2026.

  
  

  
  
  

DREAM PAIRS D'Orsay Wedding Party Pump

And yes, not to worry... we are absolutely going to talk about how to intentionally add colour to your bridal look in an upcoming post - because bridal does not mean boring, and it definitely shouldn't mean that you can't ever wear them again once you've walked down the aisle!

What Makes a Shoe “VdV Approved”?

It’s not about price point alone.

I’ve seen affordable shoes outperform designer pairs - and I’ve seen expensive ones disappoint.

For a shoe to earn a quiet nod from me during a fitting, it needs:

• Structure

• Balance

• Comfort

• Elegant finishing

• And a silhouette that works with the gown, not against it

Affordability matters. Comfort matters. Style absolutely matters.

And if I’ve watched it survive multiple fittings in my studio? You can trust it’s earned its place here.

This is just the beginning of The VdV Edit.

We’ll be covering:

• Shapewear that actually works under custom gowns

• Bridal accessories that elevate without overwhelming

• Second-look reception pieces

• Special occasion heels worth investing in

• And the foundational garments every well-dressed woman should own

Because if it’s coming through my studio, and it’s doing its job well?

You deserve the link.

Stay tuned - and save this post for when you’re ready to click.

With Love,

Affiliate Transparency: At VdV, I believe in recommending only what I would confidently suggest to my own brides and clients. Some links shared in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. This comes at no additional cost to you and helps support the continued creation of helpful content, bridal education, and studio resources.

Every item featured in The VdV Edit has either passed through my studio personally or reflects the standard of quality, comfort, and design I look for when dressing my clients.

What to Do If Your Body Changes During the Dress Process

One of the most common questions I get in my studio is: “What if my body changes between now and my wedding or special occasion?”

The short answer is simple, but it’s often surprising to hear: 

The body you bring me is the body I will work with.

Yes, your intentions may be perfect. You might plan to lose weight, tone up, or make “just a few changes” before the big day. And yes, life has a way of getting in the way. Work, stress, travel, sleep schedules, and sometimes just plain living often mean that body changes either never happen or happen in unexpected ways.

So what does that mean for your custom gown, prom dress, or formalwear? Let’s break it down.

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Timing Is Everything

Some brides come to me too far in advance, thinking, “I’ll start working out, I’ll eat better, I’ll lose a few pounds and it will be perfect by the first fitting.” Or the opposite: some wait too long, thinking, “I’ll get to the fittings last minute to make sure my dress matches my final figure.”

Both scenarios create stress... for both of us. If you come too early and your body doesn’t change as planned, we may have to make unnecessary adjustments later, having wasted a lot of time just waiting on weight loss/toning/changes that never happen. If you wait too late, there may not be enough time to accommodate any real or imagined changes, and fitting the dress properly becomes a challenge.

Construction stage of a custom VdV bridal gown, 2025

The reality: the body you have now is what I will use as the foundation. Planning around it wisely is the key.

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Consider a Corset Finish

If you know your body is likely to fluctuate - be it due to stress, eating habits, sleeplessness, or natural variations - a corset finish can be a lifesaver.

Corsets allow 2–4 inches of adjustment, giving you breathing room (literally) for body changes that happen naturally. They are forgiving, flexible, and perfect for the reality of life.

Corsets are my specialty, in case you didn't know!

Think of it this way: a corset is your safety net. Instead of forcing your body to conform to the dress exactly, the dress conforms to you... comfortably.

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Pay Attention to Your Cycle

Things you'd never really consider, but that's exactly why I'm here as your specialist. 

Your menstrual cycle can make a huge difference in how a dress fits. Water retention, bloating, and general swelling are all normal parts of your cycle, but they can add inches to your body at exactly the wrong time if you aren’t planning around them.

Consider the timing of your fittings relative to your cycle, and even relative to the date of your event. You know your body best. If you notice you tend to bloat at certain times of the month, plan your fittings during your “baseline” days. This small adjustment can save a lot of stress and last-minute tweaks. 

Generally, we should always aim for fitting around the time of month and time of day that you plan to wear your custom piece.

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Shapewear Is Your Friend

For some clients, especially those whose bodies are prone to natural fluctuation, shapewear can be a great tool to maintain consistency during the fitting process.

Decide early if this is right for you. Wearing the same foundation garments for each fitting ensures that your body sits the same way each time, allowing us to build the dress around your shape accurately.

Shapewear is not just about slimming, contrary to popular belief. It’s about consistency, which is critical when building a dress from scratch.

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Accept That Life Happens

Even with all the planning in the world, bodies shift, move, and fluctuate. Stress, late nights, travel, and celebrations will all leave their mark... That’s normal.

The key is to work with your body as it is, make strategic choices for flexibility (corset, shapewear), and plan fittings intelligently. That combination allows you to get the best fit possible without anxiety, panic, or endless last-minute adjustments.

✅ Quick Tips Recap

1. Plan your first fitting wisely. Too early or too late can cause unnecessary stress.

2. The body you bring me is the body I will work with. Accept it, work with it, celebrate it.

3. Corset finishes give flexibility for natural changes. Consider this if your body fluctuates.

4. Mind your cycle. Plan around bloating and water retention.

5. Shapewear is a tool for consistent fittings, not a crutch.

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The truth is: a dress built from scratch will always be your best friend when your body changes, because it was made for you - not a size chart, not a mannequin, not a past customer.

Life happens; bodies change. But a well-planned, well-fitted dress ensures that you still feel confident, secure, and beautiful no matter what.

With Love,

The Hidden Architecture of a Well-Made Dress (And Why You Feel the Difference)

There's this moment that happens in a truly well-made dress that is pretty difficult to explain unless you’ve experienced it.

You zip it up… take a breath…

And suddenly, everything just feels right.

You’re standing straighter;

Your shoulders relax;

Your waist feels supported, not squeezed;

You feel held, not trapped.

That feeling is not magic. It isn't luck.

And it is definitely not accidental.

It is architecture.

Inside view of a custom VdV piece, 2024

Not the kind you see on the outside, but the kind that lives quietly underneath, doing the work you will probably never notice… until you wear a dress that doesn’t have it. That's when it becomes glaringly obvious that something is wrong.

A Dress Is Not Just Fabric and Design

When most people shop for a dress, they are looking at:

• Colour

• Style

• Trend

• Neckline/length

• Price

But what actually determines how a dress feels on your body is what you don’t see:

• Internal structure

• Stabilising layers

• Strategic seam placement

• Support zones

• Weight distribution

• Foundation compatibility

A beautiful dress without internal structure is like building a house with beautiful walls and no foundation.

It may look good on the hanger...

In the industry this is called 'hanger appeal', where some dresses look terrible on a hanger and absolutely fabulous on a mannequin or body).

Custom VdV piece with cape sleeves, 2024

It may even look good for photos... 

If ever I have pieces to prepare for an event or editorial, it's important for me to know if the pieces need to be 'photoshoot ready' or 'runway ready', because things can always be pinned and tweaked for photos, whereas runway records movement. So much time can be saved knowing how a garment is going to be used so that you can focus on the areas that matter for the occasion. By the way, remind me to tell you about the very moment I realised I had been doing too much at a fashion show, which also happened to be when I understood that I had amassed skills that other designers didn't even have simply because I wasn't trying to use cheat codes when I was learning how to design and create.

But it will not carry you comfortably through hours of movement, sitting, dancing, hugging, eating, and breathing... like a normal human being.

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The Secret Layers No One Talks About

A well-made dress often contains multiple hidden elements working together in one accord.

Stabilising Base Layers

These prevent stretching, pulling, and twisting once the dress is on the body.

Internal Support (Boning, Structure, Reinforcement)

This is what helps a bodice stay where it should, which is particularly important in strapless or structured gowns.

Dresses at various stages of construction in the VdV studio

Good structure means:

• Less pulling up (I can't tell you how much I hate seeing this!)

• Less adjusting

• Better posture naturally (and a good pair of heels also adds to good posture)

• Better bust support

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Weight Distribution Design

In formalwear and bridal especially, dresses can be heavy.

A well-made dress spreads weight across the body so one area isn’t carrying everything.

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Seam Engineering

Yes... seam placement is engineering.

Seams can:

• Sculpt and create illusions of shape

• Lengthen visually

• Support curves

• Reduce pulling across stress points

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Why Two Dresses Can Look Similar, But Feel Completely Different

This is one of the biggest surprises clients experience.

Two dresses can look nearly identical online. I mean, come on, we've all seen those "what I ordered vs what I got" posts, or "designer vs budget". 

When worn:

One feels:

• Stable

• Supportive

• Comfortable

• Secure

The other feels:

• Tight in the wrong places

• Loose where support is needed

• Restrictive when sitting or moving

• Like you are constantly adjusting yourself

The difference is almost always internal construction. Think of it like a multi-layered cake - without a good foundation, proper cake base, all the dowels that keep the layers from collapsing on each other... everything would flop.

This Is Why “Fit” Is Not Just About Size

True fit is about how the garment and body work together in motion.

A well-built dress considers:

• How you breathe

• How you sit

• How you turn

• How fabric reacts to body heat (some brides need special assistance with sweating issues on their wedding day)

• How structure shifts over hours of wear

This is why two dresses in the same size can feel worlds apart.

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The Emotional Side of Good Construction

Here’s the part no one talks about enough:

When a dress is built properly, your brain stops thinking about it.

You are free to:

• Be present

• Enjoy your event

• Move naturally

• Focus on memories instead of maintenance

That is luxury.

Not just price. Not just brand.

But peace inside the garment.

Why This Matters Even More in Bridal and Formalwear

These garments are worn during emotionally and physically intense days.

You are:

• Moving constantly

• Being photographed constantly

• Hugging people

• Sitting and standing repeatedly

• Often wearing the dress for 8–14 hours

Without proper internal architecture, small discomforts can become big distractions and a bit of a nuisance.

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The Slow Fashion Connection

Slow fashion is not only about sustainability.

It is about intention.

A well-made dress:

• Lasts longer

• Performs better

• Requires fewer emergency fixes

• Creates less stress for the wearer

• Often needs fewer alterations

And most importantly:

It respects the body wearing it.

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The Part Most Clients Never See

When I build a custom piece, a large portion of the time is spent on elements that will never be visible in photos, because preparation is everything.

Inner construction on a custom VdV gown, 2026

Hidden stitching. Hidden reinforcement. Hidden layers - interlining, boning, padding.

Those invisible details are what allow you to feel confident, supported, and comfortable on one of the biggest days of your life.

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The Truth

If a dress looks beautiful but feels stressful to wear, then it's probably not well made.

Beauty should never come at the cost of comfort, confidence, or peace of mind. That being said, where extreme shaping or support has been requested, there will be some degree sacrifice on comfort as you know it, as the piece pulls you into the correct posture and fit, but you should still be able to move and breathe and do all the things.

The best dresses do not fight your body; they work with it... Quietly. Consistently. Reliably.

And when that happens, you don’t just look good; you feel like yourself, at your very best.

So, if you ever wondered why some dresses just feel different, now you know.

It was never just about the fabric or the label on the inside.

It was always about what was holding everything together underneath.

With Love,

What Bridal Design Has Taught Me About Dressing for Any Special Occasion

People often assume that bridal design exists in its own category, that wedding dresses are somehow separate from “real life” clothing. In truth, bridal has been my greatest teacher when it comes to dressing all types of bodies for all types of meaningful moments.

When you strip away the lace, the beading, and the drama, bridal design is really about the following:

fit, structure, intention, and confidence.

Those lessons apply just as much to a graduation gown, a prom dress, a gala look, or any once-in-a-lifetime event where you want to look, and feel, unforgettable.

Custom Van der Vlugt graduation gown, 2025

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1. The Foundation Always Comes First (Even When No One Sees It)

Bridal has very quickly taught me that a dress is only as good as what’s underneath it.

A beautifully designed gown can collapse, twist, or sit incorrectly if the foundation isn’t right, whether that foundation is proper underwear, internal boning, built-in structure, or simply understanding how the body carries weight.

This is just as true for:

• Prom dresses with dramatic slits or low backs**

• Graduation looks that need to sit correctly for hours

• Formal wear that must look good standing, sitting, and moving

The biggest mistake I see outside of bridal is people choosing a dress first and hoping everything else magically works around it. Bridal teaches you to reverse that thinking: start with what you have and build the look around that. 

**Side note: I will not do overly revealing or vulgar designs for young/teenage girls. Please be guided accordingly when booking your consultation with VdV.

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2. Your Body Is Not the Problem... It's The Garment

One of the most important lessons bridal reinforces is this:

The dress should adapt to the body, not the other way around.

Brides come in all shapes, proportions, heights, and bone structures. There is no “standard” body, and yet bridal works because the design process respects that truth.

That mindset carries over beautifully into special occasion wear. Whether someone is tall, petite, curvy, athletic, or still growing into their body (as many teens are), the issue is rarely their shape... it’s whether the garment was designed with intention.

Graduation fittings in the VdV studio, 2025

When you dress with that understanding, confidence changes immediately.

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3. Fit Is About Balance, Not Tightness

Bridal design teaches restraint.

It’s not about pulling everything in as tightly as possible. It’s about balance: where the eye travels, how proportions are distributed, and how comfort supports confidence.

Showing more skin up top? Then cover up or use more volume in the lower half of the dress.

Want to show off your legs? Then the concept works vice versa. Everything is balance.

For prom and graduation clients especially, this matters. A dress that looks great for photos but feels restrictive, unstable, or distracting will never truly shine. In recent times, we've seen graduation/prom dresses transform into a different type of circus, with swaths of fabric, feathers or flowers pooling into ridiculous mermaid trains around the ankles of petite young girls who cannot possibly walk in the dress or carry the design in a way that truly makes them - and it - look great. 

Bridal has taught me that when someone feels secure in their dress, they move differently. They stand taller. They enjoy the moment instead of worrying about the garment.

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4. The Process Matters Just as Much as the Final Look

One of the quiet gifts of designing and creating attire for bridal is time.

There is space to think, refine, adjust, and make intentional decisions. That process creates garments that feel thoughtful rather than rushed - and that same kind of care is what elevates any special occasion look.

While not every event allows for a full bridal timeline (around 6-8 months or even a year in advance), applying a bridal mindset - planning early, understanding your options, and making informed choices - almost always leads to better results.  

This is especially important for milestone moments like graduations and proms, where emotions run high and memories last forever. Rushed timelines mean rushed fittings and rushed production; a short notice deadline means less options when it comes to sourcing spectacular fabrics and finishings, as well as less time spent in the actual "design and refine" process.

Details on a graduation gown in the VdV studio, 2025

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5. Dressing for a Moment Is About More Than Trends

Bridal design exists slightly outside of trends... and that’s a great thing.

It prioritises timelessness, craftsmanship, and meaning. When you bring that philosophy into dressing for special occasions, you stop chasing what’s popular and start focusing on what feels right for the moment and for you.

Your photos won’t date poorly; 

Your memories won’t be overshadowed by discomfort;

And your confidence won’t depend on comparison.

Bridal has taught me that clothing is never just about fabric and fit - it’s about how someone feels walking into a key moment of their life.

Whether you’re saying “I do,” walking across a stage, stepping onto a dance floor, or celebrating a milestone, the same principles apply:

• Thoughtful design

• Proper foundation

• Respect for the body

• And trust in the process

Those lessons don’t belong only to brides. They belong to anyone who wants to show up fully, comfortably, and confidently when it matters most.

If you’re planning for a graduation, prom, or special event and want guidance rooted in experience and not trends, early conversations make all the difference.

Due to the official start of wedding season, spaces for graduation & prom dresses are limited. 

Get in touch to set up your consultation at the VdV studio today, by sending an email to info@houseofvdv.com 

With Love,

The Custom Experience Is Not the Boutique Experience

 

This is one of the first things I explain to potential clients, and it’s also one of the most important things to understand before choosing between a boutique gown and a custom-made piece.

They are not the same experience.

Neither is better or worse, but they are fundamentally different. And when expectations don’t align with the process, that’s where disappointment can creep in.

There Is No Rack to Browse

In a boutique, the experience begins with a rack of dresses. You arrive, you browse, you try things on. There is instant visual feedback - this works, this doesn’t, I like this neckline, I hate that fabric. It satisfies the very human desire for instant gratification.

In a custom studio, that rack does not exist.

Every piece I create is made from scratch. There is no stock; there are no samples waiting to be tried on the moment you walk in. You’re not stepping into a space to select a finished dress... you’re stepping into a space to create one. 

That can feel unfamiliar, especially in a world where we’re used to seeing things immediately on our bodies.

Because of this, I often encourage clients to try on dresses should the opportunity arise. Trying things on helps you learn what works for you, but just as importantly, what doesn’t. That information becomes incredibly valuable when we move into the custom design phase.

The Boutique Experience Has Its Own Magic

There is something undeniably special about the boutique experience, particularly for brides.

It’s social. It’s emotional. It often includes an entourage of loved ones offering feedback, opinions, encouragement, and tears. It’s the experience we’ve seen in movies and on reality TV: champagne, mirrors, dramatic reveals.

For many brides, that experience is deeply meaningful, and it absolutely has its place.

But it’s important to understand that a custom experience offers a different kind of magic.

A Custom Dress Is Built Around You, Not the Other Way Around

With a custom piece, you are not trying to fit yourself into a dress. 

The dress is being built for you.

Van der Vlugt bespoke lace bridal gown, 2020

From the very beginning, your body, proportions, posture, lifestyle, and personal style are part of the conversation. You are involved in the design process - not just approving a final look, but shaping how it comes to life.

You see your dress begin as something humble and unassuming - often a basic brown cotton toile - and slowly evolve into something extraordinary over the course of fittings. That transformation is intentional. It allows structure, fit, and balance to be perfected before luxury fabrics and finishes are introduced. It helps us to nail down every aspect of foundation and form, before moving onto the details of decoration and finishing (which I call "the fairy godmother effect"), and ensures nothing gets wasted in the process.

This is also why your first fitting is not about perfection. I'm very transparent with my clients about how unglamorous first fittings are and how important that first basic fitting is for me as the creator of the gown.

The first fitting is about establishing foundations:

• Placement

• Proportion

• Structure

• Comfort

Perfection comes later, once the bones of the garment are correct. 

Energy, Environment, and Intention Matter

This is something not everyone talks about, but many clients feel deeply connected to it.

When your dress is made custom, it hasn’t been worn by other people. It hasn’t passed through dozens of bodies, mirrors, or fitting rooms. From a spiritual and emotional standpoint, the energy poured into the piece begins with you.

You know exactly who is making your dress;

You know where it’s being made;

You know the environment it’s being created in.

There is something powerful about that connection - about being part of the process from the very beginning rather than entering the story at the end.

The Process Is Collaborative and Flexible

One of the greatest advantages of custom work is that the process allows for evolution.

As your dress comes to life:

• You can see how ideas translate into reality

• You can make informed decisions along the way

• You can pivot if something no longer feels right

This doesn’t mean endless changes - but it does mean that your voice is part of the journey, not just the final reveal.

By the time you reach your final fitting, you haven’t just received a dress - you’ve witnessed its creation, from zero to hero.

Van der Vlugt custom graduation gown fitting, 2025

Your Dress Can Only Ever Be Yours

Perhaps the most significant difference of all is this:

A custom dress can only ever belong to you.

No other woman will purchase the same design. No one across the world will step into the same gown. Your photos will reflect something entirely one of a kind: created for your body, your moment, and your story.

In a time when images travel fast and trends cycle quickly, there is something deeply grounding about wearing a piece that exists nowhere else.

Choosing the Experience That Fits You

Some clients want the excitement of trying on gowns immediately, hearing opinions, and saying “yes” in the mirror that same day.

Others want intention, craftsmanship, privacy, and a garment that unfolds slowly and deliberately.

Neither choice is wrong, but they are not interchangeable.

Understanding the difference allows you to choose the experience that truly aligns with who you are, how you make decisions, and what you want to remember long after the day itself has passed.

And that, more than anything, is where the beauty lies.

With Love,