suzie turner

Couture is the creation of uniquely designed, bespoke garments that are skilfully composed from the finest materials with meticulous attention dedicated to every detail.

At Suzie Turner, the process of creating a piece of couture follows a prescribed sequence of events for each client. The design and style of each couture piece is unique. This is the essence of couture.

The final piece reflects a combination of the client's style, personality and imagination which evolves into a garment from a series of appointments with Suzie Turner. There are five stages to this process, beginning with an initial meeting, the first appointment, with Suzie Turner.

The first appointment includes a discussion about the occasion for which the garment is required and any design ideas that the client may have in mind. Look Books, fabric samples and garment samples enable Suzie to provide the client with a sketch and detailed quote to take away.

The second stage of the process involves reviewing the sketch to incorporate any additional ideas and produce a near-final design. A 50% deposit is paid, with the final balance due when the final garment is ready for collection, and measurements are taken so that a pattern of the client's body shape can be made.

At stage three, the client will have a toile fitted. This is a sample garment that has been drafted from the measurements of the client's body shape. Also at stage three, Suzie Turner presents the client with suitable swatches of fabric that have been gathered from all over the world. This is for the client to muse over. It is an opportunity to compare them in different lights, hold them up to one's own skin tone and get feedback from family and friends if desired.

Stage four is a series of toile fittings. The amount of fittings required is individual to each client. The design is refined according to the client's wishes and with Suzie's guidance. At this time the client chooses and purchases the fabric. The garment is then made.

Finally, stage five is a series of fittings with the client's unique couture garment(s). The quantity of fittings varies with each individual client.

An ideal lead time for the entire process is six months, although we have worked with clients to create garments in as little as a week.