Vanessa Burton is an Australian born master couturier and fashion designer living in Auckland New Zealand who exclusively makes extraordinary one-of-a-kind gowns for weddings, events & theatrical productions.  Vanessa makes perfectly fitting gown, corsetry and veils/headpieces for all shapes and sizes.   

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All initial design consultations and quotations are free.  Vanessa works with you to design your dream gown.  During your design consultation Vanessa will do a sketch of the gown, take your measurements and will also show you some fabric & haberdashery options.  Then a very detailed quotation is emailed to you within 24 hours and we go from there.  A design consultation is usually an hour long and located in our studio in Birkenhead Auckland New Zealand. 

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As a traditional couturier Vanessa personally drafts your gown pattern based on your measurements. She then creates a toile/draft of your gown usually in a bleached cotton or calico.  The toile of your gown is done so we can perfect your design and fit before cutting into the expensive laces and fabrics.  The construction window includes 4-6 fittings depending on the complexity of the gown.  On average it takes 4 to 12 weeks to make a gown from start to finish.  Vanessa tends to book out for many months in advance so we recommend getting in contact 6-18 months prior to your event.  Unfortunately Vanessa only makes one of a kind gowns from scratch and does not do gown alterations for gowns purchased overseas/online, please contact your local seamstress if you require this service.  However she can for example redesign your mother or grandmothers gown or the fabrics from it into a new gown.  She can also redesign vintage veils and/or headpieces.

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A custom made gown can vary in price from a few hundred to many thousands depending on fabrics, haberdashery and time the gown requires in construction.  If you have a specific budget in mind please don't be afraid to let us know as we may be able to manipulate the design to fit within it. I'm sorry but no standard prices can be given over the phone or email as every gown Vanessa makes is a one of a kind. 

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Located in Birkenhead, Auckland.

By appointment only.