THE RIGHT FIT: From

Well Suited

The importance of having a tailor ensure your attire is the proper fit

By Elyse Major

Sport coat custom made by Marc Allen of Loro Piana fabric

We’ve all heard “Here comes the bride, all dressed in white,” “Say yes to the dress,” “If the shoe fits.” But what about the suit? Unless you’re eloping with your dad’s old sport coat, anyone donning a jacket and pants will want to look as put together as their betrothed. This is where a tailor comes into play – they alter a garment to fit you. Until you actually require the services of a tailor, your only encounter may be characters in fairy tales, but they’re very real (as are cobblers) and once you’ve commissioned their expertise, you just might be hooked.

For most, you are likely purchasing off the rack, which means, as it implies, directly off the clothing rack at a store. Colin Ward, manager at Marc Allen in Providence says that while fabric is important, construction is key to having something that fits well and will last a long time.

When trying on suits, “make sure the shoulders fit,” says Ward. “They can’t be made larger, and it is very expensive and time consuming to recut them. The jacket length really can’t be changed much without making it look off balance.” If you’re deciding between sizes, opt for the larger to provide the tailor with more fabric to work with.

GLOSSARY

Bespoke: Clothing that is custommade to your specifications Haberdasher: One who deals in men’s clothing and accessories Milliner: A maker or seller of hats

Seamster: One employed at sewing Tailor: A person who makes or alters garments to fit Photo courtesy of Marc Allen

MADE TO ORDER

A bespoke designer crafts bridal apparel unique to you

By Karen Greco

Think custom gowns are only for Hollywood stars or members of the Royal Family? Rhody brides can be the star of their own film-worthy wedding with a custom dress from Seams Couture in Providence. Designer and couturiere Harper Della-Piana works one-on-one with clients to create a one-of-a-kind dress or bridal suit that showcases each person’s unique sense of style. Or, Della-Piana can upcycle a cherished vintage gown for its new debut.

Della-Piana has over 40 years of experience handcrafting costumes and gowns for the film, television, and theater industries (she’s even sewn for the exacting Martha Stewart and her magazine). All of her unique designs are crafted at her private atelier — from conception to final stitch — right here in Rhode Island, using local tailoring talents to help her craft the wedding dress of your dreams.

The process begins with a consultation, followed by a sketch that evolves until the client falls in love with the design. Then fabric is chosen right at the atelier. The first fitting is with muslin, which serves as the pattern. This is where details can be changed and honed. At the second fitting, you will step into your actual dress. Della-Piana says to expect the process to take three to five sittings, allowing for two hours each.

Her custom-fit, made-to-measure pieces are all hand-sewn, both inside and out, with attention to detail given to each stitch, bead, and other design flourishes. Given the handcrafted nature, her couture is shockingly affordable. Gowns begin at $3,000; women’s suits start at $2,000.

At Della-Piana’s LGBTQIA+ inclusive atelier, everyone is welcome. Are you a misfit bride, whose style leans more adventurous? Or a Bridgerton fan, who’d like a Regency reproduction for your wedding? Della-Piana embraces the quirk with enthusiastic creative support.

“No two brides are alike and true couture reflects that,” she explains. “Appointments are private and one-on-one and our gowns are not off the rack to buy like a bridal store, but made to order so you get to watch it evolve.” SeamsCouture.com “Most things can be taken in to a good degree. But not everything can be let out,” explains Ward.

With so many wedding details looming ahead, start by searching for a tailor that is convenient to you as you’ll be visiting at least twice. This may mean near home, near work, or close to the venue. Some tailors have their own shops; sometimes it’s a service available at a store, like Marc Allen, or a dry cleaner and only offered certains days and times.

To best prepare for your appointment, bring or wear a shirt and tie, and be sure to have the shoes you plan to wear on the big day so that the tailor can ensure the proper drape, which means how the fabric falls at your feet. Of course, wear a smile.

Della-Piana shown hand-finishing a wedding gown

Match Game

How permitting attendants to choose their own attire can result in them feeling more vested than invested in your big day

By Erin McGinn

Like fabrics and patterns are essential common denominators to mastering mixing

We’ve all been there – you’re excited for a friend to get married, but the thought of spending a ton of cash on another cookie-cutter, ill-fitting gown you’ll literally never wear again really puts a damper on the good vibes. Enter, the mismatched dress trend. Though the pick-yourstyle dress option has been around for ages now – in which your party can choose from halter, spaghetti strap, cap sleeve, etc. – a new idea was born. What if, instead of having to buy a specific color from a specific store with a specific designer, the nearlyweds give some minimal guidance and then let you actually pick an outfit you love from anywhere you want? Yes, please!

So how does this work? The couple will often provide a color palette, length preference, and pattern specification and then you, the attendant, can go to any store you like, with any budget you have, and choose a look that makes you feel good. Bonus, since it’s completely your cup of tea, you can actually

Blue and white works in October, too, and some attendants chose longer sleeves to keep warm when the winds blew over the ocean for this private estate soiree

The simple palette of blue and white was given to these friends for a coastal wedding at a private home. They ended up choosing all different shades from azure to dusty blue, and patterns from whimsical to floral to solid

wear it again. It’s a win-win for everyone involved and the results are spectacular.

With cottagecore being all the rage, floral patterns are a popular option in the mismatched trend. Blue and white also remain a top color choice for many coastal Rhode Island couples, but more and more are choosing to broaden the palette to include more than just one or two colors: think peppering in a natural sage green for summer or muted mustard tones with deep emerald for fall. Mixing in suits in a corresponding color or pattern for those attendants who prefer not to wear a dress is a perfect addition.

When all your friends are in a row, with flowers mixed in bringing it all together, the feeling is cohesive, cool, and of course, eclectic. This trend has gotten so hot, some attendants are actually exchanging attire with each other after the event to wear in other friends’ weddings, getting more bang for their buck and freshening up the look without the added cost, aside from a quick trip to the dry cleaner. Let’s face it, weddings are an investment to be a part of these days, from destination pre-parties and purchasing gifts for the shower and wedding day to traveling and accommodations for a weekend of events. Having the option to save a bit can be helpful for everyone!

Blueflash Photography George Street Photography Hilary B Photography