Making/designing clothes for relatives and friends has got to be the most pressure-filled task I’ve ever done as a designer. I guess it’s because their opinions matter the most and I don’t want to disappoint them. So when my eldest cousin on my mother side came to me and asked me to design her engagement gown, wedding dress and entourage, I welcomed it with excitement and of course, a few worries and fears.
Here’s task number 1, the engagement gown:
My cousin, Achi Bernice, gave me freehand in basically everything. She didn’t have any specifics in mind so I was free to design whatever I wanted. I presented her this sketch and fortunately, she liked it!
The final product:
The engagement party was formal and took place in Edsa Shangri-La Hotel. But because the party started early in the morning, we made sure the color of her gown isn’t too dark. The gown has to be formal, but not TOO formal.
In keeping with the not too formal look, I wanted the gown to be flowy–nothing too stiff, so the fabric has to be soft and light. To highlight my cousin’s waist and to give a sexy illusion, I played around with the direction of the shirrings on the gown’s upper half.
For the bongga (rough translation: extravagant/oomph) factor, I added lace and sequined appliques all over the torso. Can you please take a look at how flawless my cousin’s skin is?
Of course, in usual Camille fashion, when it’s conservative in front, expect a subtly sexy back!
There you have it! We actually had less than 3 weeks to make this. I’m happy with how it turned out, and according to Achi Bernice, she likes it as well. Thank God!
So that’s 1 engagement gown down and a wedding gown and a whole entourage to go!
I super love the details at the back <3 and I also admire your designs :)
Thanks Mikhaela! :)
i love your designs.this is perfect for my bestfriend’s wedding. i am the maid of honor and the theme is peacock so she is letting me choose my own design but the color il be wearing is blue or green. i hope you can give me an advice as to wjat kind of design would be perfect for me. i want drama but not to the point that i will outshine the bride. i dont want to wear something too revealing just elegant and still sexy and of course with a back drama im obsessed with your work. if ill get married, i want you to design it. pretty and talented. oh by the way, what ia the fabric of this dress?
Thanks Jah! It’s powerknit :) I think draping work best for weddings. They look unique but not overpowering :)
thank you so much for your advise Camille. I’ve been looking for designs since last year and I am feeling nervous. The wedding will be next year(2015) and this is my first time to be a maid of honor. Last time I participated in a wedding I was a flower girl. My friends have a lovely figure and I’m sure that they won’t have a hard time looking for designs. I am really worried. I can see a lot of designs but I don’t think it suits me. I am only sure that i will choose the color royal blue because that color will complement my complexion. I always look at your creations and you always do an amazing job.
Thank you Jah! You have plenty of time to look for a dress (and diet, if you want). Go into stores that sell gowns and try different styles, even the ones that you think won’t suit you. They may just surprise you. :)
I love the color of this gown! Anyways, I love the design of this dress, and you’re lucky that your cousin allowed you to do the design freehand. ;D
Thanks! :)
again, this is amazing. the details make the gown exquisite and unique :)
Thanks Paola! :)
20 to 25k d i ang presyo cge2x mgtigom nami…nindot jud imo blog (cebuano mode lng ^_^…i hope nkasabot ka or do u know how to speak cebuano? ^_^)
Oh noooo I don’t! :(
Hi!! I really love this dress!! I love the design!! I was wondering how much would it cost to have a similar gown made for me? Thank you.
Hi Theresa! Usually it’s around 20-25 :)
love the design..love the dress…i will definitely have you as my designer when i’ll get married ^_^..I hope it’s ok with you?!?! :)
Of course! :)
I just cant stop commenting here on your blog! THE BACK DRAMA! Im like, OHHHGAAASH! Brilliant design ms.Co
Hahaha :) Thank you Trix! :)
Beautiful dress! btw Ms Camille, did you make the design and the dress yourself? Do fashion designers make the real thing just by themselves? ^.^
I designed it :) I have my team to execute the design though but there are designers who still sew their work themselves :)
Beautiful dress!
Thanks Vikki!
Wow, this dress is incredibly beautiful! :o It reminds of Marchesa so much! I am so in love with your creations!! I hope I can one day achieve such a great fashion talent (o: !!! You are one of the fashion ladies I look up to most!
Thank you Megan!
THIS IS SO BEAUTIFUL MS. CAMILLE!!!
Thank you Frances!
Wow, you did such a good job on this! Well done <3
http://www.thisischichi.co.uk
Thanks Nadia!
your design looks very rich ate camille! love it!♥
Thank you Gail!
It seems as if you had a whole year to prepare this gown! The details are so interesting to look at, and the dress is so well made. Can’t wait to see the wedding gown and entourage! xoxo
Thanks Sandra! I had a blast designing the gown. :)
The back detail is reminiscent of Cary Santiago, very beautiful! Camille, you’re gonna make it really big as a designer, I can sense it. You make such beautiful pieces, very wearable and flattering and feminine. I am such a fan of you, more as a designer than a blogger (I don’t mean that in a bad way, all right?).
Thank you Ella! I’m extremely flattered :)
I absolutely looooove the gown especially the back! It (the back in particular) reminds me of Veluz Reyes’ creations!
Thank you Z! I have yet to see a Veluz creation although I’ve heard so much about her! :) I hear she’s amazing!
Your Achi undoubtedly looked gorgeous on her special day! You’re such a talented designer! The design is very feminine! Very Marchesa/Elie Saab! ;)
Thanks Tasha! :) Love Marchesa and Elie Saab!
We don’t store a lot of gowns. Usually, we only make them for clients and magazines so they get sold right away. :) I’m actually thinking of making RTW gowns but we’ll see! :)