Drape yourself in an heirloom.  All eyes will be on you, and the pictures will last a lifetime.  Ms. Scarnati will meet with you, even giving you the option of having dress fittings in the comfort of your home, or the convenience of your workplace. Designer Gina Scarnati has built gowns for brides from New York State, to Washington D.C., and for destination weddings such as Scotland and Puerto Rico.   

As a seasoned costume designer, Ms. Scarnati’s in-depth knowledge of costume history, textile chemistry, and how to flatter any variety of body types, will open a world of design opportunities for you. In order to avoid time being a restraint, Ms. Scarnati suggests leaving no less than six months to design your dress, with a year being optimum.  

The Design

Your dress begins with a design meeting. Your wedding's theme, your personal style, and the silhouettes which most flatter your physique will all influence the final creation. At the next meeting, Ms. Scarnati will present swatches of the finest fabrics available from New York City’s garment district. Fabrics will be chosen, the design finalized, and measurements taken. From this point Ms. Scarnati will design patterns just for you, and begin the “mock-up”, which is rough draft of your gown, in cotton muslin.  

The Fittings

First Fitting: you will try on the mock-up, which will include basic, standard design features such as the

bodice, skirt, and sleeves, but no design details (please don’t forget your bridal lingerie).

Second Fitting: the altered mock-up will be fit, ensuring all design concerns are addressed before the fabric is cut.

Gina Scarnati requests the first two fittings be with the bride only. Friends or family are welcome at the third and fourth fittings. This is to ensure that the bride’s wishes and aesthetics are the only influences upon the dress' early design.

Third Fitting will address the lining, or partial dress.

The Fourth, and Final Fitting, will include all design details and closures.  

The Package

All gowns include garment bags, and all brides are given “care kits” for their dress including thread, needles, matching fabric pieces, stain treatment wipes, and stain removal instructions for typical wedding hazards like wine. Ms. Scarnati may even assist your selection of shoes, jewelry, hair, and veils which will complement your dress. With her experience in theatre and film, she may also refer numerous make-up and hair artists, which can assist you.

The Business Details

Planning ahead to budget for a custom-designed gown, not only leaves you with a one-of-a-kind piece, but saves you the frustration and time of shopping.  Fabric selection, gown design, embellishment, and out of state travel all effect the final price tag.   All custom-designed wedding gowns and suits begin at $1200.00.  Payment installments and Credit Cards are accepted.

CREDITS

All gowns pictured were fully designed and built by Gina Scarnati


At left: Heather & Brit Basmajian, Photographer: www.studionine.com

1 - Hand sewn silk chiffon and charmeuse. Photographer: www.studionine.com

2 - Custom gown. Puerto Rico. Photographer www.studionine.com

3 - Yvonne Andersen in custom gown. Hem in scalloped lace.

4 - Embroidered chiffon over layered Victorian petticoat.

5 - Embroidered chiffon, silk organza sash.

6 - Diana & Jules McDonald. Scotland

7 - Princess sleeves. Rayon and cotton gauze and chiffon.

8 - Natalie Ehrmann corset in silk shantung over layered silk georgette skirt.