Reimagined Gown
From 1951 to 2021 – This Dress Gets a More Modern Face-Lift
Lindsey’s wedding featured a one-of-a-kind vintage gown designed by her grandmother in 1951. The dress was a strapless, short, two-piece ensemble with an intricate lace jacket. The jacket was trimmed in gleaming pearls along the sleeves and collar. Lindsey bought her own wedding dress for the ceremony but couldn’t pass up the opportunity to model this unique piece at the rehearsal dinner.
Finding Common Ground
Lindsey’s mother Patrice joined her daughter in the studio for alterations and a photoshoot. Patrice was supportive of Lindsey’s decision to purchase her own wedding dress but was eager to see if Teri could adjust her mother’s dress to fit Lindsey. When Patrice suggested cutting the lace jacket to make the dress fit Lindsey, Teri was reluctant. Cutting the jacket – the most eye-catching component of the gown – would destroy the integrity of the gown’s design.
Instead, Teri asked Lindsey to try on the dress to identify the areas that needed attention. The dress would not zip past her waist becuase Lindsey’s back was broader than the gown’s design. Creating a lace-up panel and removing the zipper kept the dress’s design integrity, and gave Lindsey the perfect fit she needed. The zipper could be reinserted later to restore the gown to its original design – perhaps for use by another future bride in the family. The final product was a delicate collaboration of vintage styles, with a modern touch that fit Lindsey beautifully.
“The final product was a delicate collaboration of vintage with a modern touch.”
Preserving History
The gratitude from brides and their families only confirmed the heartfelt compassion Teri has for dress design. A thank-you letter from Lindsey’s mother Patrice said, “You not only made it look stunning, but you helped preserve its history. It was a touching process for me, and I am very grateful for your generosity and artistry.”
The adjustable nature of the dress accommodates various body types, which grants countless opportunities for future use. The remodeled dress is already set to carry out its legacy in two other weddings in Lindsey’s family.