Bespoke Design Pathway

BESPOKE DESIGN PATHWAY

Your vision, realised.

EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH CORSETRY

Our bespoke design pathways are the key to the corset you’ve been longing for. A virtual consultation where we will jointly explore your inspiration and vision. Guided with warmth and enthusiasm by an experienced craftsperson from start to finish.

MORE THAN JUST A GARMENT

Orchid specialise in elaborate, opulent bespoke corsetry for all genders. Though my approach is rooted in an engineering perspective, I like to incorporate an element of wearable art into the pieces that pass through my hands. A collaboration between your inspiration, my experience and our shared journey through this fascinating art form.

And it all begins with our bespoke design pathway.

WHERE DO WE START?

After an introduction, we'll talk through your ideas, so I can ensure I'm the right maker for your needs. Helpful information includes any deadlines you have, inspiration images, a budget, and anything else that has prompted you to contact me. Next, I'll offer a quote, on the understanding that this may change with decisions made along the pathway. If you're happy to proceed, you'll be directed to purchase our bespoke design pathway.

WHAT IS A BESPOKE DESIGN PATHWAY?

This is my way of ensuring that I focus my time on clients who are ready to make a commitment to their corset. It's especially important now that I only take on a few select commissions each year, which I'm delighted to say book up very quickly! This pathway is in effect, a downpayment against the time taken to explore your ideas to the point of having a final design, refunded against your final order balance, should you decide to proceed with your commission.

HOW DOES THE BESPOKE PROCESS WORK?

A truly bespoke garment is a rare and special thing. Something designed with care and attention to your needs and wishes. How often in life do we get the chance to have what we truly desire, rather than fitting ourselves around the available options?

So as you begin to consider the possibilities, let's talk you through the ordering process for a corset you will treasure for years to come.

STEP 1.
We have our first conversation where I get to learn all about you.
If you’ve owned corsets before, tell me if they were off-the-rack (not made to your measurements) or bespoke. Talk about any fit issues you’ve experienced, or styles that work well for you. If you haven’t worn a corset before, don’t worry! Let me know what has brought you here, and what has inspired you. Images are always helpful in understanding your aesthetic.
Remember that concise emails are the most clear ones, keeping on topic helps me to work out what is relevant to your order.
If your plans include a deadline (wedding dress alterations will typically need all your wedding lingerie for the first fitting) please let us know at the start so we can be sure to advise you of our current leadtime. Bespoke corsetry takes a lot of time to create, and we are often booked up months to a year in advance.
I will also want to know about your figure type to identify the best corset style for you. “Size 12” doesn’t tell us much, but phrases like “full hipped” “athletic” “small busted” are really helpful. Any specifics such as the waist reduction you currently take, or your bra size are really valuable too. Don’t forget to tell me if you plan to lose or gain weight!
If you'd like me to work to a budget, give me an upper and lower end that you're considering. As a guide, my underbusts start around £1,600, but I'll be able to advise you in more detail once we've discussed your ideas.
STEP 2.
After we've discussed your commission I will give you an initial quote, or let you know if I think another maker would be a better fit for your ideas.
If you're happy with your quote, I will direct you to purchase our Bespoke Design Pathway. This is effectively a down payment against the final value of your corset that tells me you’re committed to the process. I can then begin refining your options for a style that fits your needs with the fabrics and styling that you love. We’ll talk about options like fastenings for the corset that may better suit your figure, or keeping your corset discreet under clothing. We’ll also look at different boning techniques in relation to your needs. Samples of your chosen fabrics will be available, and we will finalise your corset design.
STEP 3.
Will involve us looking at your measurements, or booking you in for a personal fitting. We have photo instructions that will help you to measure at home if you can’t visit us in person. Your finalised choices and measurements will then be sent to you as a completed order checklist with a final price for your corset. After this, a deposit of 50% confirms your order and your place on our waiting list. You’ll be advised on the turnaround for your order at this time.
STEP 4.
This is where our work really begins! We can now draft your personal pattern and lovingly construct your bespoke corset in our Mid Wales studio. When the finishing flourishes have been put in place, you will be invited to clear the balance of your order so that we can post your new treasure to your door.

ORDER TURNAROUND

As you can imagine, a garment as complex and personal as a bespoke corset does not spring up overnight. Each element of your corset is ordered in from specialist suppliers around the world! We see this time as an opportunity to ensure that we have a thorough understanding of your needs. We promise not to rush your order, but endeavour to have it in your hands as quickly as our high standards allow.

An average order turnaround for a bespoke corset order is typically around 6 months to a year at present, which does not include shipping time. Remember that this varies with factors such as the number of mock-ups required for your chosen style, or level of hand embellishment you desire.

PRICING
Pricing is not listed here as each bespoke project is unique, and I quote for each project individually as costs vary with luxury outer fabrics, embellishment and extras like suspenders or matching accessories. We are happy to offer a quote for your individual order, and will advise you of any choices that affect the total as we plan your corset. The final price is provided for you before the order is confirmed, so there are no nasty surprises!
For those looking to spread their payments, we can offer lay-away options, spreading the cost over a 6 month period.