Bespoke & custom orders
One piece, made from a conversation and a measurement chart. Eight to twelve weeks for occasion wear; four to six months for bridal.
Not an alteration. A pattern.
A custom Saint Therese piece is drafted from your measurements rather than graded from a sample size. That is the difference between bespoke and made-to-order, and it is the reason the process takes as long as it does.
You will see sketches before anything is bought, handle the fabric before anything is cut, and wear a calico toile before the real cloth is touched. Nothing is a surprise at the final fitting.
Start a CommissionFrom first sketch to final fitting
Eight to twelve weeks, four visits, one piece that exists only for you.
Consultation
We talk about the occasion, the mood you want and what you actually feel best in. Bring photographs, or bring nothing at all. Measurements are taken at this visit.
Design & fabric
Sketches and fabric options are presented together, so you can see and feel the piece before a single cut is made. The quote is confirmed in writing at this point.
Toile & fittings
A calico toile is fitted first, then the garment itself — usually two fittings, more if the piece is structured or beaded.
Finishing
Hand-finishing, pressing and a final fit check. Your piece is delivered boxed, with care instructions specific to its fabric.
What we make to order
Occasion and evening pieces
Gowns, cocktail dresses and formal separates designed around a specific event. This is the majority of our commission work. Eight to twelve weeks, from R12 000.
Bridal
A full couture bridal process with unlimited fittings and a dedicated point of contact. Four to six months, from R28 000. We take a limited number of brides each season.
Existing designs, re-cut for you
Most pieces in the collection can be remade in your measurements, in a different length, or with sleeves added. Faster and less expensive than a full commission.
Groups and parties
Bridal parties, mothers of the bride and groom, corporate teams and campaign wardrobes — coordinated across mixed sizes from one consultation.
Common questions
How much does a bespoke piece cost?
Occasion commissions start at R12 000 and bridal at R28 000. The final figure depends on fabric, hand-work and structure, and it is quoted in writing after the design and fabric visit — never before. A 50% deposit confirms the commission.
How far in advance should I book?
For an occasion piece, allow twelve weeks before the date. For bridal, four to six months. If your date is sooner than that, tell us anyway — we can sometimes re-cut an existing design far more quickly than we can start from nothing.
Can I bring my own fabric?
Yes, with two conditions: we need to see and test it before the design is finalised, and we cannot warrant the behaviour of a cloth we did not source. Where the fabric is irreplaceable we will always make a toile first.
What if I change my mind during the process?
Design changes are free until fabric is cut. After cutting, changes are quoted separately because they mean re-making rather than adjusting. Deposits are non-refundable once cutting has begun.
Do you ship commissions outside South Africa?
Yes. International commissions work from a measurement chart plus a video fitting, and we build in an extra adjustment round. See shipping & delivery for timing and duties.
Couture for the most important yes
Bridal commissions open four to six months before the date and include unlimited fittings, a dedicated point of contact, and coordination with your bridal party if you want it.
Mothers of the bride and groom, bridesmaids and matrons of honour can all be dressed from the same consultation — coordinated in palette and finish without anyone looking like a set.
Start a commission
The first consultation is complimentary and takes about an hour. Bring the date, the occasion and anything you have been saving.