art garments bride series
Jayme Clapson completely embodied the Art Garments bridal ethos. Underwhelmed by the sameness of contemporary boutiques, she sought something she could make totally her own.
we talk to her about finding and reimagining her stunning 2000s Liancarlo Couture silk taffeta gown with only a few weeks until her wedding. Plus a behind-the-scenes look at the original & alteration process.
what felt most important to you when sourcing your wedding dress?
From the beginning, I always told myself that I wanted a gown made of natural fibres. I also wanted to wear a dress from a brand I admire. I have a collection of brands that I wear daily. I support these brands because of their design aesthetic, fabrics made from all or mostly natural fibres, and their sustainability practices. So, I was adamant about wearing a dress from a brand that I truly felt proud to support.
what led you to the Art Garments studio to try on vintage gowns?
I've always admired women who wear unconventional wedding dresses, especially vintage ones. While planning my own wedding, I was drawn to bridal photos from the '80s and ‘90s. That era gave me a feeling I couldn’t quite put into words. Wearing a vintage gown was a fantasy of mine and felt like a natural fit with my love for old fashion, music, furniture, and art.
I spent hours browsing dresses on Happy Isles in the US but buying one without trying it on seemed too risky. Then Instagram miraculously suggested Art Garments. I was instantly hooked. Despite my obsession with vintage styles, however, I initially bought a very refined dress from Net-a-Porter. It aligned with my everyday aesthetic, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of dissatisfaction. As a habitual overthinker, I tried to convince myself I was just being indecisive, but deep down I knew something wasn’t right.
With only two months to go, my mum and I dedicated a weekend to various bridal appointments just in case I stumbled upon “the one.” It was at these new boutiques I tried on some traditional, voluminous styles which made me feel feminine and bridal, while still embracing my playful side. I knew from there my Net-a-Porter option was not going to be worn on our wedding day.
Although I loved many new dresses I tried on, they still weren’t quite right. One was too white. The other was synthetic. Another one was wearing me rather than me wearing it. After several appointments and multiple harassing sales calls later I made a promise to myself not to make any decision on any dress until we went to my last appointment, which was Art Garments. There was something inside me that was telling me that there was going to be a gown there for me. Sometimes you really do just need to trust your instincts.
what first drew you to your gown when you saw it?
The moment I stepped into the Art Garments bridal studio, my eyes were instantly drawn to a gown hanging in the left-hand corner. Its ivory hue, silk taffeta fabric, and pleated bodice spoke to something deep within me. It was exactly what I had been imagining all along, yet I’d never actually seen it before. Trying it on only confirmed what I already felt, it was the dress for me.
As beautiful as the dress was in its original mermaid-style with a sweetheart neckline, the style wasn't practical for our wedding day. With everything taking place outdoors I knew I needed a dress that allowed me to move freely and dance without restraint. Being a sewer myself, I knew there was a possibility to alter the dress into the strapless, drop waist, voluminous style I loved.
I was not game enough to alter it myself, so I FaceTimed Joanna, a seamstress at Sew Special and she confirmed the changes I desired could be made. In addition to this, I had such a lovely conversation with Grace about my wedding dress journey. Hearing her share the same values as me, like individuality and sustainability, was so reassuring. It made my decision even easier.
what shapes / designers /styles most inspired you in the way you customised your dress?
I drew references from vintage Vivienne Westwood, Loris Azzaro, and contemporary designers like Wed Studio. I liked how their designs embraced imperfection with organic tucks, drapes, and silhouettes.
Without my seamstress none of this would've come to life. With just eight weeks until the wedding, I visited her once or twice a week. Each time I came into store, I had new ideas and tweaks I wanted to make. We spent countless hours reimagining the dress, and Joanna met every suggestion with immense patience and creativity.
One of the most significant transformations was reworking the neckline and back. The original gown featured a sweetheart neckline and a low back, but I was adamant about having a straight neckline and a back that matched the front in height. Thankfully, the dress was several sizes too big and had a mermaid-style bodice, giving Joanna plenty of fabric to work with. She repurposed a section from the bottom of the bodice to raise the back. Because the bodice was pleated, the alteration was seamless. You would never know it was pieced together! It was a major change, but so incredibly worth it.
how did you feel on the day? What mood did the dress bring?
I felt elegant, relaxed, and comfortable. Yet despite its laidback charm, the dress brought an unexpected energy to our wedding day. With its many layers and quirks, it sparked my playful side. It also became one of the main talking points among my guests. And to top it all off, I received many comments like 'that dress is so you', and 'that is honestly the best wedding dress I have ever seen'.
do you have any advice for brides hunting for their dream vintage wedding looks?
Be patient, open-minded, and think outside the box. Don't settle for a dress unless it makes you feel a certain way. I cannot describe such a feeling, but when a bride feels it, she will know.
looking back, what does the gown mean to you now?
When I look back at pictures of our wedding now, the dress still takes my breath away. The gown holds immense emotion, yet it brings me so much joy. I am so proud to have worn that dress on our special day.
As much as I am in love with my dress, I always knew I would eventually pass it on. Although I couldn’t bring myself to do it until recently. The moment I listed it online, it sold almost instantly. A beautiful young woman, Courtney, bought it. She is getting married soon in Europe, which is such a fitting location for the gown.
When I zipped up the dress, I knew it was meant to be hers. I actually began to cry. I have asked her to send me some photos after her wedding, and I can’t wait to see how she styles it and makes it her own. Parting with the dress was bittersweet, but I am thrilled to know it has been given a third life. And how special is that!
find your own gown in our bridal section