Frequently Asked Questions - Elise Spigott Couture
What is Couture?
Couture, meaning “dressmaking” in French, is high-end clothing of an original design—one-of-a-kind garments that are custom-made to order, tailored to the customer’s measurements.
What type of Garments does Elise Spigott Couture create?
ESC specializes in creating one-of-a-kind couture bridal and formal gowns, as well as bespoke luxury garments such as tailored suits, dresses, coats, jackets and furs. Essentially, if you can dream it, we can create it.
What is the process of creating a couture garment?
First, we begin with a consultation with the client to determine what it is that they are wanting created. We discuss details such as; price point, time-frame, fabrics and style of garment. From there, sketches are drawn, and measurements taken. Once a design has been determined, we create what is called a toile, which is a mock-up of the garment created in muslin fabric. We do a toile fitting, exacting the fit and detailing of the garment, then we move onto creating the garment in the true fabric. We will require at least one more fitting (possibly more, dependant upon style and type of garment), and once the garment is complete, it is yours to love forever.
Does Elise Spigott Couture charge for consultations?
No. ESC does not charge for consultations. Elise will be happy to meet you in person, if you live in Calgary, AB or the surrounding area. If an in-person consultation isn’t a viable option, we are happy to answer any questions and do a virtual consultation via email or phone.
Does ESC travel to clients to do fittings?
Yes. If a client lives in the Calgary, AB and surrounding area, and would prefer to do fittings in their own home, Elise will happily travel to you. There are a few requirements though, such as; a large enough area free of obstacles to work in, with sufficient lighting, as well as being free of pets. If you would prefer, Elise would also gladly have you come to her studio in Cochrane, AB. Fitting location will be determined during the consultation.
What if I don’t live in the Calgary, Alberta area? Or even in Canada?
Not a problem! Elise will still be happy to work with you! Elise currently has clients that live coast to coast in Canada, and even as far away as the United Arab Emirates. While ideally, she likes to work with clients face to face, there are ways to work together remotely. Send us an email, and we can discuss the processes if that is your case.
I already have fabric that I love, or I have an heirloom garment that I want to use fabric from. Can ESC create something for me with it?
Absolutely! Elise loves to source fabrics for her garments, but if you already have something you love, she can work with that! It is important to note, if that is the case, you must provide the appropriate quantity and quality of fabric for your design. If more fabric is required for a project, ESC can source fabric, and use a mix of both. If you have questions about fabric you currently have, we can discuss them during a consultation. Elise has used vintage furs, dresses, wedding gowns, veils and silk scarves in some of her previous designs for clients.
I saw a wedding dress by Elise Spigott Couture that I absolutely love. Can you make the exact same one for me?
In short, the answer is no. ESC does not recreate or replicate any of their original designs. With that said, we can certainly take elements from designs that you love to create a gown that is truly unique to you. We believe that each bride is one-of-a-kind and deserves to have a gown that is truly one-of-a-kind to them.
What size range does ESC work with?
Do you have a body? Then we will work with you! Elise Spigott Couture was founded on the principle that all women deserve to look and feel their best. We work with absolutely all body types and shapes, and have a specific expertise with women who typically fall into the “plus-size” category of ready-to-wear clothing.
How long is lead time?
All work is based upon Elise’s availability, therefore the sooner you’re in contact, the better!
For Bridal:
Ideally we like to begin the process at least 6 months out from the wedding. With that said, we will accept brides between 8 to 12 weeks from their wedding date for a rush fee.
For Couture Apparel:
We require at least 3 months before the desired wear date of the garment. For example, if a client wants a cashmere coat to wear in autumn (September), we require that they contact us by July.
What is the price range for an Elise Spigott Couture garment or bridal gown?
It is difficult to say exactly what a garment is going to cost without a consultation.
The cost for each garment starts at the price point listed below and goes up based upon many factors such as; detailing, the fabric used, style of garment, etc. This is not a comprehensive list of every type of garment that Elise Spigott Couture creates, please contact us and we will provide you with a quote for your chosen project.
Bridal Gown - $3000
Formal Gown - $1800
Bridesmaids/Mother of the Bride/Groom ensemble - $1000
Coats/Outerwear - $1000
Casual Dresses - $400
Jumpsuits - $1000
Suiting:
Blazer - $800
Trousers - $400
Vest - $350
Skirt - $350
A significant factor to remember with ESC garments or bridal gowns is that are tailor-made to your body, therefore they DO NOT REQUIRE alterations. Alterations of many off-the-rack bridal gowns can often be as much or more than the original price of the garment.
While you may think that couture isn’t accessible, or is only considered to be a luxury good for the wealthiest of people, this simply isn’t true. Couture is for everybody! Please contact us, and we will be happy to set up a consultation to discuss your dream couture piece with you!
What types of payment are accepted? How does payment work?
Elise Spigott Couture currently accepts: Interact Debit, Visa, Mastercard and cash.
For Bridal:
After the consultation, and the design has been agreed upon, a 50% deposit is required to commence work on a gown. Staged payments may be required throughout the course of the project, with the balance to be paid in full at the final fitting, as agreed upon in contract.
For Couture Apparel:
After the consultation, and the design has been agreed upon, a 50% deposit is required to commence work, with the remainder of the balance required at the final fitting, as agreed upon in contact.