When commissioning a bespoke piece from Simona, you will experience the warm professionalism and care of a designer who will listen to your needs and advise you on the best silhouette for your body shape and occasion. The approach will be as personal and special as it was in the golden days of fashion ateliers.
The process will start with a free consultation followed by ideas sketched individually for you by the artist. You can also choose from the original designs shown on the gallery page as they can all be cut in any colour, fabric and size. Once the style is chosen, a pattern will be made based on the client’s measurements.
The first toile will be sewn, fitted and altered until the desired result is achieved. Only then, the garment will be cut in the chosen fabric and finished to the highest standards.
The price will include three drawings to choose from, a made-to-measure pattern, a first toile and the final bespoke piece. Each garment will be lovingly made never compromising on finesse and precision.
‘I thought about it in my head and I felt it in my heart but I made it with my hands.’
- Rob Ryan.
Design
Simona is inspired by all that she finds beautiful: from nature to art, from her travels to the golden age of Hollywood glamour. She often looks at the masters of fashion, such as Dior, for that timeless elegance she aspires to offer.
Her designs have a woman’s body in mind and her goal is to create individually crafted pieces that will be enjoyed for years to come.
When booking a consultation, Simona will advise you on the best silhouette for your special occasion and needs.
The meeting will be professional, friendly and focused on your desires as a client. The sketch will be unique and personal.
Draping
Draping on a mannequin is a source of inspiration. Many ideas start there as it is often the fabric itself that guides a creative pattern cutter towards the most innovative and visually pleasing solutions.
Manipulating the cloth on a stand, whilst looking at the proportions, allows Simona to redefine the design even before the pattern is made.
A beautiful drape will combine all the elements of the design in a balanced and elegant manner.
It is only when the drape is visually pleasing and technically correct, that the next stage can start.
Pattern Cutting
When making a pattern, Simona transfers the information from the 3D drape into a 2D shape. That requires precision and an understanding of balance between the pieces.
Although she can work from blocks, she prefers to individually create patterns from the drape; that ensures that every piece is unique and beautiful in its own right.
The pattern will be made following the client’s measurements and will provide a good fit regardless of size or height.
Sewing
Once the toile is fitted and the pattern finalized, the piece is cut in the chosen fabric and is ready for sewing.
The garment is assembled by machine with great care and precision.
She embellishes almost every piece with vintage finds such as buttons and clasps collected over the years or bought as dead stock.
She decorates with silk braids, sequins, tassels and anything that will make the garment more ‘special’.
She never shies away from adding a little bit of luxury and love to anything that carries her signature.