ITA
News, Process
About choosing to sell wedding dresses at a distance, and about choosing to purchase one
Jan
CUSTOM WEDDING DRESSES, AT A DISTANCE
From the get go, we made the choice of offering our custom made wedding dresses to customers worldwide, at a distance: here you can read how and why, and we share some interviews with women who offered us their turst, and chose to purchase their wedding dress from us in the past.
Italy boasts among the best master craftsmen in the world, from glass to leather to fashion manufacturing. Our country has a specific talent in the ancient art of making with one’s hands with passion, precision and commitment. Even today, there are many artisan excellences scattered throughout our national territory and in the historic centers of our cities.
But how many people can actually have the chance to purchase directly from the artisan’s shop? How can you, if the store is not close to home, contact a maker, to have something made just for you?
OUR CHOICE: THE WEB
Online shopping, thanks to it’s easy and fast availability to everyone, everywhere, anytime, has become the go-to solution for most purchase needs, but it usually bases it’s supply chain on the sheer volume of options it offers, not necessarily on the uniqueness of what is offered.
We have decided to approach it backwards, creating the product specifically for the customer. Internet allows us to reach – and be reached – by people that share our values and aesthetics, anywhere they may be.
From the beginning we have focused on translating the very personal artisanal process, creating the same experience with our online customers, by developing techniques and strategies to create beauty in an effective and functional way even at a distance. Thus we are able to guarantee exceptional fit and a satisfactory purchase experience without the need for in person contact.
Being at a distance does not exclude a unique relationship and care and attention to detail: through emails, phone, skype or whatsapp calls and the exchange of photos, we can discuss your preferences, materials, customizations, decide what will suit and flatters you most: just as if we were here in the atelier together.
At the same time, we have put time, thought and energy in the creation of our physical location. A space, our atelier, that brings together all the different facets of our work, housing the designing, cutting and sewing areas, the office, the storage and photoshooting spaces, and the lovely show-room area.
Here you can see our designs, and at the same time see exactly where they are produced, where the fabrics turn in to dresses.
Because one thing does not exclude the other: although online shopping sometimes feels sterile and very very private, buying something on the internet does not mean that there isn’t a physical counterpart to the digital website you interact with. Behind our website is a small team of passionate humans, carrying out our daily work with enthusiasm and deep commitment. Through photos and documentation we want to bring you in to the process, wherever you might be.
Wherever you are, the process is the same. Just as we do during an appointment in the atelier, even at a distance we will personally follow you along every step of the way, in the choice and construction of what suits you best.
A FEW CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS
Below you will find a selection of interviews and comments from customers, regarding their experience purchasing our designs at a distance.
Jessica Elftmann
1. How did you come in contact with Larimeloom?
I was searching for “Hemp Fabric wedding dresses” to see if what I wanted was even possible, a wedding dress that used hemp in parts of the design.. We work in the cannabis industry and I hoped to have a dress made with some elements of Hemp/Cannabis… Larimeloom was the first Link, showing a beautiful hemp bodice dress.
2. Why did you choose to buy a custom wedding dress online?
After searching multiple local dress makers or suppliers I couldn’t find anyone who…. continues
1. How did you come in contact with Larimeloom?
I was searching for “Hemp Fabric wedding dresses” to see if what I wanted was even possible, a wedding dress that used hemp in parts of the design.. We work in the cannabis industry and I hoped to have a dress made with some elements of Hemp/Cannabis… Larimeloom was the first Link, showing a beautiful hemp bodice dress.
2. Why did you choose to buy a custom wedding dress online?
After searching multiple local dress makers or suppliers I couldn’t find anyone who was making what I envisioned, everything was heavy and stiff and I hoped for something soft and flowing like a dream. No one in the United States seemed to be offering what I wanted, but I knew it existed I just needed to find who was making them.
3. What gave you the feeling that you could trust that everything that was going to be all right?
almost every dress on the site embodied the essence of what I wanted. Elegant and ethereal, as though a soft breeze was moving around them. I saw multiple incarnations of what I had been dreaming of for years.
4. How was your experience with communicating with us at a distance?
I was surprised how easy it was. Even with the different time zones, if I sent an email before bed.. by lunch the following day I would have a response if not sooner. Maria was very patient with me, and felt like a familiar soul.
5. Did you find our communication regarding taking your measurements complicated or confusing?
As someone with no knowledge of dress making or sewing, it was a little confusing. I found a local tailor that was willing to take my measurements and explain a little why so many were needed. Once I understood I knew this dress would literally be cut to my body. If there were additional measurements needed, she would communicate that quickly and I would go back to my tailor and have them done. It definitely increased my confidence of a “perfect fit”
6. Were you satisfied with the dress you received?
IT WAS PERFECT!!! You know that moment as a potential bride, when you’re trying on dresses and find THE ONE and immediately get emotional? I had that moment when I first turned to view myself. My best friend/MOH was with me and we both just sobbed.
7. Did you need any changes or alterations done to it locally before the wedding?
I honestly thought I’d get it and need to fine tune it just a smidge, but when I tell you it was perfect, it was P E R F E C T. I stood in shock, I could hardly believe that from across the globe this angel of a human made a dress that fit and flowed along every curve of my body in such a precise manner.. while having never seen me in real life.
8. Was the dress comfortable and did you feel at ease in it during your wedding?
I told Maria I wanted to feel like a Goddess and she DELIVERED. I was light weight, it moved and flowed and danced in its own way. It was like being wrapped in a cloud of ethereal wisps. I wore the dress longer than I planned to that night! I had custom Bridal pants designed as well and almost forgot to change into them… which by the way, those were AMAZING as well and a huge hit!!
9. What, if anything, went differently then how you expected it would?
I didn’t expect for it to be as easy as it was, and for the final product to be so on spot for what I wanted. Maria didn’t exactly make the design I envisioned, it was almost a composite of 3-4 of her dresses, but she was so open to helping me create the dress of my dreams. I feel truly blessed to have found such an incredible talent in such an unexpected place. Might I add I was also not expecting all the fabric used to be vintage from small villages in Italy, that was just another incredible stroke of luck. There’s no way any other woman on this planet has the dress I have, and that is priceless to me.
I hope to one day visit the studio and bring my dress with me, so maybe once again we play and create together.. breathing new life yet again into these fabrics.
Jessica
Jenni Ikonen
1 How did you come in contact with Larimeloom?
I went to internet to search for bohemian wedding dresses. I found what I was looking for on Pinterest, and from there I got the link to Larimeloom’s pages.
2. Why did you choose to buy a custom wedding dress online?
I knew I wanted a bit different dress for my wedding; bohemian and…. continues
1 How did you come in contact with Larimeloom?
I went to internet to search for bohemian wedding dresses. I found what I was looking for on Pinterest, and from there I got the link to Larimeloom’s pages.
2. Why did you choose to buy a custom wedding dress online?
I knew I wanted a bit different dress for my wedding; bohemian and natural materials. I did not found this from stores where I wen’t and I also was told that it would be hard to find.
3. What gave you the feeling that you could trust that everything that was going to be all right?
I have to admit that I was a bit thoughtful at first, but then I went to your website and there were all okay (company information, customers rights etc…) I also send a message to Lucia and I could also ask all the questions via email. The trust grew as the process went ahead.
4. How was your experience with communicating with us at a distance?
Communication was easy and fast.
5. Did you find our communication regarding taking your measurements complicated or confusing?
I found it quite easy, your instructions were good and I could always ask if any questions.
6. Were you satisfied with the dress you received?
I loved my dress, yes, I was really satisfied and happy.
7. Did you need any changes or alterations done to it locally before the wedding?
No, it was perfect in any way.
8. Was the dress comfortable and did you feel at ease in it during your wedding?
Yes, it felt good and natural.
9. What, if anything, went differently then how you expected it would?
Well, funny to say but everything worked out so well that I almost couldn’t believe it’s even true. So Thank You Lucia, you made me my absolutely perfect wedding dress! I highly recommend your handmade work to everybody
Love, Jenni
Alexandra Howard
1. How did you come in contact with Larimeloom?
Through the internet
2. Why did you choose to buy a custom wedding dress online?
I went to various local bridal shops and they mostly sold the same style which did not suit me. I wanted a dress that I could wear in church for the service, enjoy walking through Botanic Gardens for our photos, and to enjoy our reception in a marquee and outside.
I had already started look on Etsy for other wedding things and found Larimeloom through that. I loved the style of… continues
1. How did you come in contact with Larimeloom?
Through the internet
2. Why did you choose to buy a custom wedding dress online?
I went to various local bridal shops and they mostly sold the same style which did not suit me. I wanted a dress that I could wear in church for the service, enjoy walking through Botanic Gardens for our photos, and to enjoy our reception in a marquee and outside.
I had already started look on Etsy for other wedding things and found Larimeloom through that. I loved the style of the dresses, the ethos of the company and the importance placed in being against fast fashion with items that could not be worn again.
I loved the natural materials and ordered some samples so that I could see different hand dyed colours and textures as these are very hard to tell on screen. From that, I was able to liaise with Lucia about how various parts of her collection could be customised to suit me. I had a camisole top that was my grandmother’s that I wanted to wear with a silk skirt and lace top. Lucia’s enthusiasm for customisation made the process very easy and I got a dress that was beautiful, suited my style and I could wear again! I sent the top to her so that she could make the whole outfit work together.
3. What gave you the feeling that you could trust that everything that was going to be all right?
I researched the company and read all of the reviews on the website and on Etsy and they were all positive. I had a very long email conversation with Lucia and she gave me full confidence with her knowledge, passion and professionalism to go ahead with my order.
4. How was your experience with communicating with us at a distance?
It was very easy. I communicated through the messaging service on Etsy and usually received a reply within 24 hours.
5. Did you find our communication regarding taking your measurements complicated or confusing?
Not at all. I had help from my Mum in taking photos and taking measurements – I would recommend having help with taking measurements so that accurate ones can be taken.
6. Were you satisfied with the dress you received?
I was overjoyed at my dress – it was so beautiful and as I imagined it to be from our discussions and the pictures in my head!
7. Did you need any changes or alterations done to it locally before the wedding?
Yes – in the lead up to the wedding (during the last 6 weeks), I lost some inches from around my waist making it smaller than my original measurements sent to Lucia. As my dress was separates, it meant that the skirt didn’t sit properly on my waist and was now too long. I contacted Lucia who recommended that I went to a local seamstress who was able to take in the skirt to make sure it fit perfectly.
8. Was the dress comfortable and did you feel at ease in it during your wedding?
It was very comfortable. Our wedding day was very warm (close to 30 degrees Centigrade) especially for England and the natural fabrics were very light and easy to wear. The photos show how comfortable I was.
9. What, if anything, went differently then how you expected it would?
Nothing – the dress arrived with plenty of time to spare and it was perfect!
Thank you.
Alex