The Jeffrey James 'Custom' Process
The design and creation of a clients' gown can take from one to six months, depending on the timeline and the complexity of the gown.
However clients are able to relax in the knowledge that all unique details are attended to and finished gowns will undoubtedly exceed expectations...The Jeffrey James custom process is summarized below;
Stage 1: Gather Idea's & Share Inspirations
The design process usually begins by discussing silhouettes, special details and other ideas the client may have about her gown. For instance, a client may want to bring photos of gowns she likes or finds inspirational.
Stage 2: Fabric Recommendations & Selection
Jeffrey James uses an extensive range of fabrics, and clients do have access to these samples contained within the Jeffrey James fabric portfolio.
Jeffrey pays special attention to the fabric sample portfolio ensuring new seasonal and unique samples are regularly added to the portfolio. He has also built relationships with many different fabric suppliers from around the world, and can have fabric specially delivered for individual clients.
Many fabric samples contained in the Jeffrey James portfolio are the same fabrics used by some the worlds' best designers. From Italian silks to French laces or Scottish cashmere, his affinity and love of luxurious fabrics is evident.
Stage 3: Illustrative Sketching & Design
With idea's, inspirations and a selection of fabrics in mind, illustrative sketching and designs are then undertaken for presentation to the client.
Each client receives an original, custom-designed, personalized illustration for review and as a keepsake.
A copy of each design is kept on file at the Jeffrey James studio and electronic scans of each design are made and stored as a back-up measure.
Stage 4: Muslin (Cotton) Prototype Patterns & Crafting
Once the client and the designer have agreed and decided on the final design and fabric, a prototype gown is carefully crafted and developed using muslin (cotton) materials.
This stage is necessary to ensure the gown comfortably fits the clients' specific body measurements.
During this important stage, slight design alterations may be recommended by the designer or suggestions may be made by the client.
Stage 5: Full Production (Cutting & Assembly)
Once the client has approved the final design and cotton muslin, the custom gown is then individually cut and sewn using the actual fabric previously selected.
It is not uncommon that two or three (or sometimes more!) additional fittings may be required before the gown is completed.
Stage 6: Custom Gown Delivery
The final method of pick up or delivery of the custom gown is always pre-agreed with the client. Traditionally Jeffrey James' designer Jeffrey MacKinnon has taken pride in personally handing over each custom gown to the intended client. This tradition still exists today however in the event clients are not located in Toronto specialist arrangements can be made ensuring safe and secure delivery of the custom gown.
Stage 7: Client Feedback & Follow-up
Jeffrey MacKinnon enjoys touching base with his clients following their event in order to obtain feedback and take note of any special requirements or input for future custom projects. Secure and private client files are kept along with all measurements, designs, photos & illustrations, fabric samples or other notable project workings.
The design and creation of a clients' gown can take from one to six months, depending on the timeline and the complexity of the gown.
However clients are able to relax in the knowledge that all unique details are attended to and finished gowns will undoubtedly exceed expectations...The Jeffrey James custom process is summarized below;
Stage 1: Gather Idea's & Share Inspirations
The design process usually begins by discussing silhouettes, special details and other ideas the client may have about her gown. For instance, a client may want to bring photos of gowns she likes or finds inspirational.
Stage 2: Fabric Recommendations & Selection
Jeffrey James uses an extensive range of fabrics, and clients do have access to these samples contained within the Jeffrey James fabric portfolio.
Jeffrey pays special attention to the fabric sample portfolio ensuring new seasonal and unique samples are regularly added to the portfolio. He has also built relationships with many different fabric suppliers from around the world, and can have fabric specially delivered for individual clients.
Many fabric samples contained in the Jeffrey James portfolio are the same fabrics used by some the worlds' best designers. From Italian silks to French laces or Scottish cashmere, his affinity and love of luxurious fabrics is evident.
Stage 3: Illustrative Sketching & Design
With idea's, inspirations and a selection of fabrics in mind, illustrative sketching and designs are then undertaken for presentation to the client.
Each client receives an original, custom-designed, personalized illustration for review and as a keepsake.
A copy of each design is kept on file at the Jeffrey James studio and electronic scans of each design are made and stored as a back-up measure.
Stage 4: Muslin (Cotton) Prototype Patterns & Crafting
Once the client and the designer have agreed and decided on the final design and fabric, a prototype gown is carefully crafted and developed using muslin (cotton) materials.
This stage is necessary to ensure the gown comfortably fits the clients' specific body measurements.
During this important stage, slight design alterations may be recommended by the designer or suggestions may be made by the client.
Stage 5: Full Production (Cutting & Assembly)
Once the client has approved the final design and cotton muslin, the custom gown is then individually cut and sewn using the actual fabric previously selected.
It is not uncommon that two or three (or sometimes more!) additional fittings may be required before the gown is completed.
Stage 6: Custom Gown Delivery
The final method of pick up or delivery of the custom gown is always pre-agreed with the client. Traditionally Jeffrey James' designer Jeffrey MacKinnon has taken pride in personally handing over each custom gown to the intended client. This tradition still exists today however in the event clients are not located in Toronto specialist arrangements can be made ensuring safe and secure delivery of the custom gown.
Stage 7: Client Feedback & Follow-up
Jeffrey MacKinnon enjoys touching base with his clients following their event in order to obtain feedback and take note of any special requirements or input for future custom projects. Secure and private client files are kept along with all measurements, designs, photos & illustrations, fabric samples or other notable project workings.
