Didi Couture

The first consultation serves to define the image the bride-to-be wants to project on her special day. Didi first looks at various facets of the bride's personality and preferences, then the wedding itself, be it day or night, formal or informal, the colour scheme and the venue. All these aspects are discussed to define possible styles.

Didi draws up an initial theme for the dress which reflects the bride's personality and spirit. She encourages clients to enter the consultation with their vision and ideas in place but insists that they keep an open mind when it comes to her creative input and different possibilities. "Many woman see a particular design which they might like but cannot visualise whether it would suit them or not. I help them overcome the unknown by giving them the opportunity to experience their body in different dress styles. This gives my clients the confidence to make the right choice based on how they look in the dress as opposed to a picture they have seen", says this talented designer.

Following the first consultaion, a range of preliminary sketches are made. With these sketches to hand, Didi meets the client for a second consultation - this time at a fabric library stocking a range of fabrics suitable for their chosen designs. Here she introduces clients to the importance of colour, tone and texture: "By draping different materials over the body, I can very quickly form an idea as to which fabrics suit someone. Using skin tone, eye and hair colour, we chose colours which complement the face and upper body.

Fittings are done regularly to monitor each step of the process and allow adjustments to be made where required. During fittings, Didi also advises clients on accessories to enhance the dress. The final trimmings, such as beading and lace detail, are added only once the fitting of the body of the dress is completed.