There is something extraordinary about walking down the aisle in a gown your mother once wore. It carries a story no new dress can.
But a gown made for another bride, in another decade, rarely fits the woman you are or the wedding you are planning. Redesign bridges that gap. Done with care, it keeps what is meaningful and reimagines everything else.
Start with the story, not the seams
At your design consultation, we begin by asking what matters most. Is it the lace? The buttons down the back? The silhouette? The simple fact that your mother wore it?
The answer shapes every decision. Some brides keep the gown almost intact and modernize the fit. Others keep only the lace and build something entirely new around it.
What we look at first
Condition. Older gowns may have yellowing, age spots or fabric that has weakened at the seams. We examine every layer to see what can be safely reworked, and what should be professionally cleaned or restored first.
Size. Taking a gown in is usually straightforward. Making it larger depends on the seam allowance left inside, and older gowns often have very little. Where the gown needs more room, we can design new panels, a corset back or an insert that becomes part of the look.
Fabric. Silk satin, polyester satin, lace and tulle all age differently. We’ll tell you honestly which fabrics will hold a new shape and which should be left as they are.
What can change
- Neckline. Open a high neckline into a sweetheart, V or off-the-shoulder.
- Sleeves. Remove puffed 1980s or 1990s sleeves, or replace them with sheer, lace or detachable styles.
- Silhouette. Slim a full skirt, remove a petticoat, or re-cut the gown into a sheath or A-line.
- Back. Add a corset back, an open back or a statement train.
- Details. Reposition the original lace or appliqués where they will be seen best.
Planned before we cut
An heirloom cannot be replaced, so we never cut on a guess. Every redesign is planned with you and approved before any work begins. You know exactly what your mother’s gown will become, and we walk you through each step.
Fabric and timing
If new fabric, lace or trim is needed to complete the design, you bring it, and we’ll tell you exactly what to look for and how much. A redesign takes four to five months of work, so start the conversation early. Ideally, come in for your design consultation about seven months before your wedding, so design, sourcing and fittings never feel rushed.
What it costs
Heirloom redesigns start from $2,500 and are quoted to your vision after your consultation. Your consultation fee is waived if you go ahead with us.
Bring your mother along
If you can, bring your mother to the consultation. Hearing those memories of the gown often shapes the design in ways neither of you expected.
Learn more about heirloom redesign.