Bespoke Backless Wedding Top with Latkan

backless low back bridal outfit dress top separates red gold latkan

For Bride, Chrissy, I made a fully bespoke backless wedding top with latkan.

Chrissy ordered the top from my ‘Evie’ Indian fusion wedding set on Etsy. These bridal separates are becoming some of my bestsellers – usually they’re bought by couples having a mixed culture wedding.

Chrissy chose the silk satin top in white, and paired it with a beautiful Indian fabric sequin maxi skirt.

“Loved the special feeling of having something custom made for me. Felicity worked quickly and accommodated my request for slight changes to the design. She helped me pick out the right shade of white and kept me posted on her progress with pictures along the way. The blouse is beautiful, feels soft and delicate, and is just what I imagined. Thank you Felicity!”

Photography – Jennifer Rapoza

Advice for Long Distance Ordering

Because Chrissy lives in America, this was a long distance order. Which meant this garment was actually made to measure (because she couldn’t visit for fittings). I have had quite a few overseas clients now, and although it is entirely possible, there are a few differences from my usual bespoke process.

From a bride’s perspective, getting your measurements as accurate as possible is essential. I send all my clients guides on how to measure themselves, and I’m always available for questions.

It can also feel quite nerve-wracking, not knowing how things are going. When I make a toile (practice run) in cheap fabrics, I sent photos for feedback on the design before moving on to the ‘real’ materials. I then keep brides updated all through the making process by sharing workroom pictures of progress.

The most important thing is to have a realistic expectation. Nothing is guaranteed perfect. There will always be little changes that will be needed, that would usually be ironed out during the fitting process. So you should always budget time and money for alterations once the finished article is received.

Making a Bespoke Backless Wedding Top with Latkan

Here’s a look at part of my process for making this chic white bridal blouse. The first step is finding the pattern I originally made for this particular garment, and then adjusting to the new measurements of the bride. Then I cut out the pieces and sew them together.

After a few more steps, including attaching the beautiful latkan tassels, the top is finished and ready to be sent to its new home.

The final result is something simple, modern and elegant. The latkan offer a traditional twist, and the pop of colour is an added bonus. This choice of top is perfect for hot, summer wedding, with the exposed back helping to keep the bride cool, whilst also looking gorgeous.

If you love the look of this bespoke backless wedding top with latkan, you can see another version of it I made for a different bride. And you can find this blouse on my Etsy.

If you’re thinking of commissioning something from me, but you’re not UK based, and want to talk more about your options as an overseas bride, just get in touch. I’m always happy to chat!

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Felicity Westmacott

I write about all aspects of weddings, dressmaking, fashion history, and the human relation to clothing. I welcome comments and debate.

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I'm a regional finalist for the Wedding Industry Awards! ⁠
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Not only that, but in both my categories; Best Designer/Independent Dressmaker and Best Seamstress/Tailor. So thank you to everyone who voted for me. Your time and effort is not only appreciated, but has also paid off 💜⁠
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And well done to my fellow regional finalists; @alexandersharpebridal, @harrietchristelow, @shell_stitches_kent, @stitchesbykristine, @nicolaleverington.⁠
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There are a few finalists outside of my categories that I wanted to give an especially loud shout out to - well done @alexjaggermua and @lushcurvebridal!⁠

Thank you to the organisers and Damien at @twia_official
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Wishing everyone the best of luck! 🪡✨️⁠

Photo by @altweddingco
This is what a bespoke veil with almost 400 flowers looks like.

On top of some other alterations, @katiepigden wanted a chic, modern bridal veil. We chose a length a little longer than her dress and I got to work.
Her wedding dress already had these beautifully delicate 3D flowers on the bodice, so we echoed this design element in the veil. I hand embellished almost 400 satin flowers, selectively scattered at the hem of the veil and gently creeping up. I wanted it to look as though Katie had been standing underneath a blossoming tree and some had happened to fall onto her veil.

A veil is such a perfect way of finishing off a bridal look, and I think Katie looks stunning. If you're looking for something completely custom for your wedding day, then get in touch 💜
Spooky season has arrived!

I love Halloween, but maybe not for the reasons you might think. For me, Halloween gives people permission to be a little more wild, a little more 'out there' with their bridal choices. And as a seamstress who loves to makes bold and beautiful wedding dresses, there's nothing wrong with a little more wild!

Take these three wedding photoshoots, for example. The first one was inspired by Morticia Addams. It's a black wedding dress! You can't get less traditional than that. And it's now one of my most popular designs. Although all these dress designs are based around a fictional character, they're still the furthest thing from a costume. They're pieces of haute couture art, taking the essence of the character and then elevating it to something truly unique.

The second dress used the designs from the live action Cruella, and I love how the model nailed her character. The final dress used Jim Henson's Labyrinth as a starting point, in particular that iconic ballroom scene (*swoon*). They were all such fun projects. So if you're looking for a wedding dress maker to embrace your wild side, I might be the perfect choice.

If you could base your wedding dress on a fictional character, who would it be?

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Photography - @lexflemingphoto⁠
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in
from design to completionbespoke wedding dressesFelicity Westmacott
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
Dorking, RH4 1RT241 High Street• Visit the Studio •
emailme@felicitywestmacott.co.ukTEL 07762 543230TOUCHGet in