Collaboration across continents needed to make bride’s dream dress a reality

Back in 2020, photographs went viral of Jasmine Dauphine, a high school student in Washington DC who was wearing a stunning red dress purchased for her prom – this sadly was cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Andréa Benton, a native of Cincinnati, saw the gown and knew she needed it for her wedding. She discovered that the dress was made to order in China by Lunss Couture, a company favoured by American women seeking custom-made affordability. After registering for an account on the company's website, Andréa could browse ready-to-wear stock, upload pictures and communicate with her allocated stylist. After their initial correspondence on design details, Andréa paid to have a sketch drawn up and then came to Amble Pin Cushion, where owner Norma Arthur took a detailed set of measurements. 

The bride-to-be booked in for a fitting with Norma, and with her expert guidance, they agreed to make several major changes to the design. Firstly, the train had to go as the length and fullness of the dress were overwhelming the bride's frame with the original hemline measuring 23m. The bodice was changed to a corset back instead of a zip to support her ample bust and allow for any weight fluctuation. A few other details were changed, such as the position of the bodice seams, placement of the shoulder sash, and the length of the skirt layers. Detailed notes and diagrams were sent back to Lunss Couture with the bride's chosen toile to begin the making process. 

Andréa was then able to follow the progress of her wedding dress online, and once finished, she received photos to check everything was as she expected before making the final payment. On receipt, Andréa arranged a fitting with Norma, and both were relieved to find the dress fitted perfectly. Andréa says, "Norma and Amble Pin Cushion saved the day and my dress, which was inspired from a viral sensation." 

Check out the company: www.amblepincushion.co.uk