What are the benefits of having a custom couture wedding gown made?

Having a custom couture wedding gown made can be an incredibly fun and rewarding process. If you have a vision for something original and creative, the sky is the limit! Also, unlike purchasing a generic pre-made gown, it will be tailored to fit and flatter your body. Most importantly, a custom gown is designed to be an expression of who you are and make your true beauty shine through. I do everything from tweaking my designs so they fit your needs, make an entire design form scratch, and revamping vintage dresses. Your wedding day is one of the most special days of your life, so I want to make your dress a work of art! This week I want to discuss My Custom Couture Wedding Gowns.

Modest vintage wedding gowns on live TV

ABC 4′s “Good things Utah” invited Modest Couture by Elizabeth to show off even more of her modest vintage wedding dresses as a guest on the show!

Live shows are always nerve wracking, but our models really strutted their stuff and the whole segment went off without a hitch.

Don’t the girls look lovely in their modest vintage wedding gowns?!

 The girls (and dresses!) are from left to right:

Alexis is wearing Hailey, a 'nude-colored' tea-length dress, and a birdcage hat.

Betsy spent her Saturday with the stars.
Well, the girls of Stars Talent Studio, that is. About 10 girls between the ages of 17 and 28 first met Betsy two weeks ago when they went to her studio and tried on her dresses — it was like little girls in the dress up box. They passed the gowns around and each eventually settled on one or two that made them look and feel like bombshells from the 50s.
It seems few people know just how much time and energy goes into one of these photoshoots {I definitely was surprised}, so I’ve sketched out a timeline to show what the designer, stylists, photographer, and models did to put together something wonderful.

2 Weeks Before the Shoot
The models gathered at Betsy’s studio where she played fairy godmother and had them try on her colorful, sparkling, tea-length party dresses. Ranging from highlighter yellow/green to white with a sassy pink petticoat, each model found a gown she loved.

The Night Before
Betsy spent hours gathering birdcage veils, pumps, petticoats and props to bring to the shoot.

The Morning Of
With her car brimming with loveliness, Betsy tucked the gowns in beside the accessories and drove to Stars Talent Studio.

Lexi is wearing Greer in yellow/green.

1:00 p.m.
Betsy arrived when the Taylor Andrew’s Hair Academy stylists did, and the models arrived one-by-one soon after. The stylists curled and pinned the girls’ hair into mod 60s beehives, then they tailored each girl’s make up to match her gown. Some models got a dramatic smokey eye while others had pink and purple accents.

2:30 p.m.
One by one they transformed into glamour girls–and with a flourishing, finishing touch, they zipped up their gowns. Meghan Derico, the bubbly photographer for PRISteen magazine, brought each girl individually onto the set and coached her through the shoot, giving directions on standing taller and how to show off the features of her gown.

7:30 p.m.
The shoot finally wrapped up after each girl modeled her dress. There were dresses hanging from door frames and mirrors, make up spread over two tables, and many worn out women — but exhausted with the pride of a job well done. With plenty of sass and swagger, the models gave PRISteen beautiful images to choose from for their spread featuring Modest Coture by Elizabeth.

Robbie is wearing Brigitte.

Wow, talk about a blast from the past! This is one bride that will “knock-your-socks-off”. Her 1940’s themed wedding was about as spectacular as they come. She thought of every little detail from the classic vintage car, to her newly minted husband’s fedora, to the unique gown that we created together.
Amanda is a true one-of-a-kind bride. During our initial phone conversation she informed me that her dream wedding would be different from anything else out there, and she was right! From the moment we met, she was on a constant “high” planning her day. Her gown needed to be the focal point of the celebration and make a statement, so that everything else could revolve around her and her elegant gown.
Drawing inspiration from such classic screen sirens as Rita Hayworth and Heddy LaMar, we designed a fluid gown fit for the most sumptuous screen legends. It hugged every curve, swooped and swayed, draped and dropped, and flowed like fluid silk. Its super-wide train creates a pool of silk for the silky-slinky form-fitting gown to fall into, creating a larger than life silhouette. The almost never-ending row of real crochet-hook buttons down the back is as real as it comes. Because Amanda is a dancer, and dancing was a must at her reception, I decided to add a wrist strap to enhance her dancing ability. It turned out to be a charming addition, allowing her not only to dance without stumbling over her gown, but creating yet another vintage look for her.
I loved working with Amanda. It was a such a pleasure to work with her and share in her unique day!! Thanks Amanda!

I thought it might be fun to share some of the photos of the TV segment. Photographer Jon Woodbury came with us that day and took lots of fun photos. We started the day very early getting hair and make-up done by Emily of “Red my Lips”. It was so great to have both of them there! Emily is meticulous and so much fun to be around. Jon is quiet as a mouse and clicks away without you even noticing that he is there.

We started off in what is called the Green Room. That is where we put all our supplies, dresses, and ourselves while we waited for our turn. It was fun watching everyone get gorgeous. As Emily finished up a girl, we would help that model get into her dress. It is a process and takes the entire group helping to make sure everyone looks perfect!

Once we got to the sound stage, Jon followed us and quietly snapped his camera in the background. If it looks like we were having too much fun, it is because we were! We all had a wonderful time! This was really a fabulous group of girls…all of them so much fun to be around. What a fun morning!! Let’s do it again sometime!

Photos by Utah Wedding Photographer Jon Woodbury Photography

ABC Channel 4, the Salt Lake City, Utah local affiliate of ABC national TV, invited me to be a guest on their “Good Things Utah” program last Thursday, Jan. 6. I was very flattered and excited to do the show. Amanda, the producer of the show, gave me lots of important information to get ready for the live TV segment. Yes, you read that correctly. It was live. Talk about nerve-racking!

This seemed like the perfect opportunity to debut some of my new creations. So, here are 3 of my new gowns: Jo, a taffeta & tulle gown inspired by Audrey Hepburn’s character in the movie “Funny Face”; Brigitte, an ivory silk chantung sheath dress with three-quarter length sleeves, inspired by Brigitte Bardot; and Rita, a long form-fitting 1940′s creation inspired by Rita Haworth. I also showcased Audrey and Greer. It seems like everywhere I go, everyone loves these!

After finding the perfect models to wear each gown on the show, I contacted “Red My Lips”. Emily, the owner of that company, does incredible vintage hair and makeup. Emily came the night before to put some of the girls hair in pincurls overnight. She is such a perfectionist, and I love it! Then she came back at 5:00 am to get started on all of us, and the segment didn’t even start until 10:00 am.

I loved the way each girl wore these dresses. They each added their own character to the gown, making it all the more fun on live TV. Thanks girls! You were great! Thanks to ABC4 for having me on the show. And thanks to “Good Things Utah” for a fun morning!! I’d love to do it again sometime.
You can watch the video of the show here:

This was an amazing experience for me! Elica gave me her grandmothers 1960′s long wedding gown to take completely apart and make into a new-vintage retro gown. The delicate old lace was still in pretty good condition, which was nice. Cute Elicia wore her grandmothers original veil with her new retro dress, which adds even more charm to this wonderful picture!

Elicia knew exactly how she wanted the dress to look on her. After taking her measurements long distance, I made the muslin bodice and met with here in Sacramento, CA. How fun it was to go to her home and get to know her personally! She is an amazing scrapbooker!!! At the end of our session, we had worked out all the finite details of the gown. I flew back to SLC and got to work!

We met one more time in Southern Cal. to get a final fitting and the hemline set. That was a quick one as she was in and out of the airport in an hour-and-a-half! But, we worked fast!

Elicia’s gown incorporated her grandmothers lining into her lining, her grandmothers bodice lace into her bodice lace & the stunning back panel of the skirt. Then I used new perfectly matching taffeta for the skirt and the rest of the dress. I found some incredible lace trim that pulled it all together and kept the vintage look paramount! Oh, and her grandmothers satin covered buttons were used a the top of the keyhole neck opening and at the back waistband.

What a stunning bride!!! Great collaboration!!! Thanks Elica! I loved working with you! Thanks for sending me the amazing photos!

I hope to see all of you at the Bridal Showcase on Jan.7-8, in the Grand Ballroom at the Salt Palace in Salt Lake City, Utah! The Bridal Showcase has been a community event for 28 consecutive years. Last year, this show was the best-attended bridal show in this market. They registered over 2000 brides!

This is a wonderful opportunity for me to meet you, talk with you face-to-face about your ideas for your custom gown and answer your questions. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for you to see my gowns in person, feel the luxurious fabrics, and see all the details. I bring many of my custom fascintors, birdcage veils, headbands, and headpieces for you to try on. I also bring a great collection of pins, belts, and accessories for you to check out! Most of these items are not pictured on my website.

I will be in Booth #456, right next to the stage for the fashion show. Come by the booth and say ‘Hi”, and be sure to stay for one of the fashion shows.

Show hours: Friday, Jan 7 — 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Saturday, Jan 8 — 11:00 am – 7:00 pm

Fashion Shows: Friday, Jan.7 –4 & 6 pm
Saturday, Jan.8 –1 & 4 pm

You can check out! $3 discount coupons are available at www.slcbridalshowcase.com.

Patricia came to me with a request similar to many of you. She had already purchased a wedding gown, but was in need of custom headpieces for herself and her maids. She knew exactly what she wanted.

First she wanted a finger-tip veil to wear at the ceremony. It was to be made to her unique specifications, with ultra-wide scalloped edge lace, no embellishments, and with a chin-length blusher for the front. She would wear this to the ceremony, moving the blusher from front-to-back during the ceremony. This type of veil, old fashioned, yet modern, is really making a comeback. It has such old world charm to it, and ads an air of sophistication. I loved the way this lace trim swoops and carries the breeze!

She also requested a custom feather fascinator to wear to the reception. She wanted it pretty large, and with an AB crystal center to match the piece on her dress. She also needed smaller feather fascinators for her maids. These had unique pink/green crystals in the center to match their gowns and the flowers. Also on her list, was an even smaller fascinator for her flower girl. The center of this fascinator had a cute pink pearlized button in the center to match her dress.

Patricia was surrounded by a wonderful sister and mother who were extremely supportive of all the details being put into this wedding. As you can tell by the pictures, it all turned out beautifully!

I know you are all going to love this incredible video! This was a collaborative effort by the most amazing talent around. Each individual artist brought their own special flare to the project.

2010 photo shoot from Kale Fitch on Vimeo.

I supplied the gowns, headpieces and accessories for the shoot. I choose gowns that would complement the models skin tone and overall looks, as well as highlighting the two antique automobiles. As you watch the video, you will see what I mean. Each dress protrays the singular essense of vintage days gone by, but with an updated flare. Magic happens when you see these beautiful gowns paired with incredible vintage automobiles. Gidget, finished with rhinestones at the midriff and a special bustle with a large black bow looks like the glamor of old Hollywood next to the beautiful “Princess” auto. Cindy, with all the pearls, sequins and incredible lace overlay looks over-the-top 1950′s next to the spunky “Dazee”.

Besides two of my favorite wedding gown designs: Cindy & Gidget, this shoot features the artistic talents of:

video by: “Kale Fitch Productions”
photos by: “Andrea Hanks Photography”
vintage automobiles by: ”Something Vintage Something Blue”
hair & makeup by “Versa Artistry”

It also features some incredible models: Anisa Riahha D, Katy Kamahele, and Elijah Radford. After working with all these people, I can honestly tell you that they are the best in their field! Each is a master of their craft and it was a joy to be associated with them and to work with them. I highly recommend each of them to you.

Thanks to all of the above and assistants John Hanks and Katy Kamahele for all the hard work, time, energy and incredible talents in producing this amazing collaboration!