Fabrics
We design each of our styles with a fabric in mind; you’ll see the style in our studio in that fabric. If you like it that way, the choice is easy! Of course, if you’d prefer to select a different fabric, we’re happy to accommodate you, and we’ll help you choose a suitable one.
Duchesse Satin
A silk satin with an exceptionally beautiful, subtle sheen. Duchesse satin is very popular for gowns with ballgown and a-line skirts because of its crisp body and weight.
Peau de Soie
A silk or synthetic satin with a matte finish. Fine peau de soie has a beautifully creamy, soft surface, and synthetic versions are often more beautiful than their silk cousins. Like Duchesse satin, peau de soie has substantial body but drapes a bit better. It is well suited to gowns with both full and narrow skirts.
Charmeuse
A very thin silk or synthetic satin with a shiny finish and extremely soft drape. Often called “lingerie satin”, charmeuse is at its most beautiful in a silk, used for the clingy, glamorous gown styles reminiscent of the 1940s.
Dupioni & Shantung
Crisp silk fabrics with a subtle sheen and irregular surface texture formed by coarse threads called “slubs”. Dupioni and shantung differ slightly in weight and the amount of surface texture. Shantung and dupioni and excellent choices for ruched or gathered designs, and full skirts. Because the fabric is so interesting and beautiful on its own, a gown made from it often needs little further embellishment.
Organza
A fine, sheer silk or synthetic fabric with crisp body. Silk organza has a matte finish and is more opaque, while synthetic organza can go from a subtle shine to a glittery surface. Organza has a soft and ethereal air, and is excellent as an overlay for a full skirt or a gathered bodice design.
Chiffon & Georgette
Fine, sheer fabrics with extremely soft drape. Georgette is slightly more opaque that chiffon and has a slightly textured surface, while chiffon is smooth. Chiffon and georgette are best suited to soft, flowing designs and are popular for skirt overlays, drapey sheer sleeves, and shoulder wraps. They are often used in Mother-of-the-bride dresses.
These are just a few of the more common fabric selections. We also carry taffeta, brocade, linen, cottons – anything you can imagine!