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Couture
"Couture is the marriage of design and material."
- Christian Dior
Couture, translated from it's original French, literally means, "sewing", with the strong implication of "dress making". Most, when they see the word Couture think immediately of runway shows and the airy world of Haute Couture, which itself means "high sewing", and posesses an entirely different meaning. Haute Couture is a term conferred to a select few designers, subject to strict rules dictated by French law and overseen by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
That said, the pursuit of such levels of the craft of dressmaking, Couture, is not restricted to those organizations, nor is it the sole domain of the storied Fashion Houses and their ataliers. . Rather, across the globe, large and small Couture labels, like Thomas MONK, pursue their craft.
At Thomas Monk, we create elegant and beautiful custom apparel of the highest quality and style. We use the same exacting techniques and methods as the famous couture houses and our fabrics come from many of the same suppliers.
Be it your wedding dress, that special occasion or your red carpet appearance (no matter the color of the carpet!), we are here.
Your dress awaits you.
Contact us to begin the process.
Demi-Couture
In recent years, the concept and practice of Demi-Couture has arisen, in part, as an effort to increase the accessibility of high fashion. Whereas couture garments are one-off and custom made, Demi-Couture garments are generally created both in size-range specific and in limited numbers; that is the definition we work by. These are the gowns and dresses I design and drape and draft and construct, and I do so with the same materials and methods that are used to create our Couture gowns and dresses. There are never any corners cut as there is never an excuse for not creating a garment of the highest quality.
Bespoke
Bespoke, is a term generally and traditionally used to describe the tailoring of mens' jackets and suits, but has recently found use for womens' apparel as well. At Thomas Monk we use the term to differentiate custom made garments, including dresses, from our Couture and Demi-Couture offerings.
This means, we are available to create for you custom made apparel that FITS you, even when you might otherwise find challenges in fitting, for what ever reason, or are simply wanting quality apparel custom made for you.
I will meet with you to discuss your needs, take measurements, and produce a basic pattern set. From there, I will construct a fitting muslin, further perfect the fit, and then, the world is your oyster. Once the basic pattern is drafted nearly anything can be made!
The biggest challenge here is location. I am located in Northern California, between San Francisco and Sacramento. (That said, there are two trips to London every year to see family ; ) and could fit your fitting in!) While its certainly best for you to come to me, I'm potentially open to coming to you.
This process is easier and more affordable than you might think. Some clients just really want a pretty, special occasion dress. Other clients simply want day wear but have concerns as they relate to fit: my Fiance for example, is just shy of six feet in height, so, pants and sleeves and hems are ALWAYS too short. And please don't get her started with the fit through her shoulders either...
I'd like to help you find what you're wanting.
If you've any questions at all, contact me via email or call.
Ready To Wear
Ready To Wear or, Pret-a-Porter, is a modern staple and allows brands to increase product accessibility. It also affords an opportunity, as it does with Thomas Monk, to provide high-end daily wear, that is exciting for both the client and the designer. I have a penchant for boucle couture fabrics (think Canscon and Linton Tweed!), as well as sumptuous woven wools and silk in all its forms. Our garments are constructed with exacting precision and will, we hope, become your the favorite part of your wardrobe. Like the rest of Thomas MONK, many of our offerings include apparel suited specifically for taller women (5'10" to 6'2") and will indicate these designs where they're available.