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 The first step is finding the pattern I originally made for this particular garment, and then adjusting to the new measurements of the bride.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!

Add a comment...

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

Felicity Westmacott

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

Recent Portfolio entries

Read More
follow me on instagram@felicitywestmacott

Tonight is the Wedding Industry Awards! I'm in the running for two awards, which is all very exciting! 🏆

Since it's such a special occasion, I decided to design and make myself a dress. That way, regardless of the outcome, I'll feel like a winner. I rarely have time to make myself anything, so this felt rather lovely.

I used some gorgeous pink coloured silk chiffon, lined with pale gold silk satin, finished off with velvet ribbon. I started making the dress at 11am yesterday, and I finished it at 3pm today. Now I just have to finish making the bolero to go with it as well. I think we're gonna make it! 🏃🏻‍♀️
Just to be extra clear 💜

#seamstress #dressmaker #historicalfashion #weddingdressmaker #weddingdressdesigner
Isn't this transformation so satisfying? 😍 I love giving wedding dresses a new life! I originally made Eleanor's bespoke wedding dress for her in 2010. Fifteen years later, she came back to me asking whether I could re-imagine her dress into something new for her wedding anniversary. Of course I said yes.

So, we went from a full length dress, inspired by Victorian and 18th century fashion, to a tea length 1950s look. The only extra fabric I used was for the new petticoats I used underneath the shortened skirt, to give it that classic 50s silhouette. Making this was a very satisfyingly sustainable project.

Which version would you wear?
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