Product Description

The apparently effortless grace of a successful gown is always underpinned by solid dressmaking skills - the skills described in "Bridal Couture". Starting with a portfolio of breathtaking gowns designed by the author, "Bridal Couture" covers all the major techniques used to sew these sumptuous couture creations, including choosing fabric, working with lace, creating a muslin, and problem-solving tricky construction issues. Every conceivable style of skirt, sleeve, and bodice is included, as well as suggestions for fabric combinations to evoke just the right mood. A final section details th construction of four actual gowns, giving readers a chance to apply what they've learned. Ideal as a wish book for brides, a textbook for sewing students, a reference book for dressmakers, or a companion book for anyone hiring a dressmaker, "Bridal Couture" is finally a book about fashion and the practical knowledge needed to create fantasy.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #151691 in Books
• Published on: 1997-05-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Review
"A must for prospective brides..." -- Sewing with Butterick, Autumn 2002. "A must for prospective brides..." -- Vogue Patterns, October 2002.

Customer Reviews

A must-have for all lovers of bridal wear.
As a partner in a bridal wear design company, I found this book to be very well explained, with good clear illustrations and excellent descriptions of couture techniques. The style is economic so the reader doesn't get lost, the author has concentrated on the quality of the content resulting in a quick reference book packed with useful information and handy tips. All of the most popular bridal wear fabrics are covered in detail, and most of the more common manufacturing problems are dealt with. Even if you are making dresses in less traditional styles, you will still find this book invaluable. I was particularly pleased to note that Susan Khalje has included linen amongst her choice of wedding fabrics, proof that she understands not only the modern but also the traditional aspects of bridal couture. A must-have for all designers and lovers of bridal wear.

A beautiful book to treasure
This book is a must for dressmakers, would - be dressmakers and for those who just love wedding gowns and working with beautiful fabrics. The technical advice is clear, instructions well illustrated and the data regarding fabric properties both useful and informative. The gowns and embellishments although perhaps a little conservative are nevertheless inspirational and thought provoking which is precisely what such a book should aim for. I particularly found the quote from Gianni Versace most interesting: '....It's a designers role to make people dream...' This book certainly made me dream and I just couldn't wait to get started on a new project. As well as being a truly useful book it is also a book which can be enjoyed for its own sake and most worthy of a place on the bookshelf of such readers. A welcome addition to the home dressmaking library and a book I shall treasure.

If couture means the best, then this book is Couture!
Couture. The finest workmanship, with the finest design, with the finest fabric, with the finest instuctor. Susan Khalje fills the need for instruction in the fine art of Bridal Couture. Her instruction is precise, and easy to understand with lovely photos to guide the student through the process of creating a couture gown. Attention is given not only to construction, but to fabric selection, and expert fit. This book is truly a must for dressmakers who strive for the perfection of couture.