Repurpose Your Bridal Gown into Contemporary Daywear

Your wedding day is a beautiful milestone, and your bridal gown is easily one of the most exquisite, carefully selected garments you will own. But once the wedding is over, many brides face the same dilemma of not knowing what to do with a heavy, floor-length gown.

Instead of leaving it in your wardrobe, which often times can result in material degradation, especially in humid climates, there is a more mindful alternative. Repurposing your bridal gown into daywear or a modern occasion dress is the perfect way to honor the craftsmanship of the original piece, reduce waste, and keep the special moment alive.

Transforming an Intricately Laced Wedding Gown into Chic Coordinates

Deconstructing a bridal gown requires a precise touch as it can consist several layers of lining, tulle and boning. This piece was an intricately laced and sequined mermaid-cut gown with a low open back. To start off this project, the client came in with the gown and together we sketched out design ideas aligned with her personal style. We landed on a cropped top that utilizes the original bodice with a long sash — which could be paired with high-waisted jeans, and an asymmetrical short skirt — that could be styled with a button-up blouse.

Repurposed Bridal Gown Sketch

Open-back Top with Sash

Once the top length is measured out, I baste a temporary stitch across the hem, and carefully cut it with consideration for the embedded boning. Next, the satin lining is used to bind the top’s hem and create a long sash. To balance the heaviness of the front and its open-back design, I decide to extend the lacework from front to the back by cutting the lace panels that are stitched onto the back straps and the sash. To minimize disruption to the original structure and material, most of this work is sewn by hand.

Deconstructed Corset Top

Redesigned Top with Satin Sash and Embroidered Mesh Back

Asymmetrical Short Skirt

After taking the client’s measurements, I draft a skirt paper pattern. The paper pattern is carefully placed on the lace fabric in order to utilize the original scallop hem. Additional flowers from the remnant fabric is embroidered on the lace to “patch up” empty and defective areas. As a good portion of the gown lining had degraded, I decided to use another white matte fabric for the skirt base, waistband and patch pocket, which gave it a cleaner look.

Repurposed Wedding Skirt with Embroidered Lace

Gown Refresh: The Final Fit

Repurposed to Fit our Client’s Personal Daywear Style

Ready to reimagine your wedding gown? Fill out the inquiry form and schedule a design consultation at our Singapore atelier.