How a bespoke consultation in an atelier works

Custom tailoring consultancy is not “an appointment to try something on.”
It's the beginning of an experience. A small journey into what truly represents you: fabrics that are recognizable to the touch, colors that illuminate, shapes that embrace the body instead of constricting it, sartorial details that transform an idea into presence.

At ddLab, consultancy is the first step of a bespoke process, and not just in the technical sense of the term. It's also bespoke because it starts with something rare today: time. Time to get to know each other, to listen, to understand if we are the right choice for each other. And then, only after that, time to plan.

If you're wondering how it works, here's a clear, complete, and transparent explanation.

The first contact: when the magic (really) begins

It all starts with a first contact. Sometimes it's a message, often it's a phone call.
It's a simple, but very important moment: that's where we understand the direction.

We talk about your occasion, what you need, how you want to feel in that outfit. I'm not just interested in "what style you like." I'm interested in understanding you: your style, your energy, what makes you feel effortlessly elegant.

From this first exchange, the first meeting in the atelier is born.

The first meeting in the atelier: getting to know each other, telling our stories, imagining

The first appointment is a very human moment. It's not a "sale." It's a meeting.

We get to know each other, we tell our stories and, gently, we both try to understand if we can work well together. Because bespoke truly works when there's trust. And trust isn't improvised.

In this phase, we also start dreaming, in the most concrete way possible.
We talk about lines, volumes, lengths, comfort, movement. We look at references, we understand what kind of femininity you want to wear. Sometimes, in a few minutes, a client finally understands what she has been looking for for years: not "a dress," but a way of feeling.

That's why I say that the magic begins here: because at a certain point you stop looking outwards and start imagining from within.

After the meeting: my research work (the unseen but impactful part)

Once the first appointment is over, it might seem to you like you're "waiting."
In reality, that's when I do the most work.

After understanding your desires, my research begins: I study the possibilities of the project, identify the best way to construct it harmoniously, evaluate fabrics and materials, and start transforming your idea into a concrete proposal.

In this phase, I also study your body shape and colors, because a well-made bespoke garment is not just "your size": it's a garment designed to truly enhance you, with balance and naturalness. It shouldn't disguise you. It should resemble you.

The ddLab quote: detailed, transparent, design-oriented

At this point, I prepare the quote, and here I want to be very clear: it's not a chat turned into a price. It's a design document, crafted with the same care as the garment.

Inside, you'll find everything you need to decide with peace of mind: production times, proposed fabrics, designs, tailoring fittings, material consumption, costs, and work development. It's a snapshot of the process, step by step.

Because transparency isn't a formality: it's a form of respect.
Respect for your budget, for your expectations, for the value of our work.

The second meeting: I present the project to you and we make it yours

We meet again at the atelier and I explain the quote in detail.
This is an important moment: it's where everything becomes clear, and where we can make any adjustments to the project.

It often happens that a client, seeing the well-constructed project, breathes a sigh of relief: "Okay, now I understand."
She understands what it includes, she understands why certain choices impact the outcome, she understands the real timelines, she understands the materials. And most importantly, she understands that she is not alone in this process.

If you decide to proceed, then we truly begin the journey towards the garment: fittings, construction, finishing, up to the final fitting.

If, on the other hand, you decide not to proceed, you haven't "wasted time": you've received a professional project, genuine consultation, and a study dedicated to you.

How much does tailoring consultancy cost?

The consultation and quote preparation cost between 70 and 85 euros.

This amount is deducted from the final price if you decide to have the garment made with us.
If you choose not to proceed, the cost of the consultation still applies, because the work behind it is real: time, study, research, ideas, planning.

And here I want to say it gently but firmly: a tailoring consultation is not just a chat. It's a service. It's the first creative and technical act of bespoke tailoring.

Why this consultation is different from "trying on a dress"

Because it's not about adapting yourself to something that already exists.
It's about creating something that originates from you.

Tailoring consultation is the beginning of a guided experience: it helps you to see more clearly what enhances you, what makes you feel good, what details are truly yours. It gently, but competently, introduces you to the world of fabrics and shapes.

And at a certain point, a beautiful thing happens: the idea stops being a confused desire and becomes a possible project.