Heirloom pieces from the past can not only be upcycled and redesigned but also be made modern.

The Celia dress is named after one of my most fashionable friends. In rare pristine condition, the matte silk organza caught my eye, and the reembroidered lace detailing was even more stunning in real life. It is rare to find a silk gown from this era as most dresses from this period were made with newly developed synthetics as they were stiff and held the ballgown shape well.

Historically what was happening in fashion was that after the war years, prosperity was growing, and there was a return to more extravagant weddings. Christian Dior’s 1947 ‘New Look,’ a cinched waist and full skirt, became a defining influence of 1950s brides, exemplified in the Celia gown.

The romantic, exaggerated feminine look is still highly sought after for wedding dresses today - think Grace Kelly! To modernize the silhouette and make it a bit different, I cut away the skirt, guided by the original lace layout. Sunburst pleated, light-as-air tulle was inserted to create frothy drama and sway when you walk. Originally a plain back, Chinese hand-knotted buttons were dip-dyed to match and placed over the new, invisible closure.

Celia restored and reimagined, is perfect for a modern fairy-tale event.

We’d love to help you turn your heirloom gown into the perfect dress that reflects your style and personality.
We aim to make our brides feel comfortable, confident, and beautiful for their special event in a one-of-a-kind dress.