A photograph from the Hollywood archives. The cut of an evening gown from an estate collection. A color from the 1970s Deco revival. A dress can begin with any one of these. In the studio, those references become decisions about where a seam falls, how a hem moves, and where the beadwork catches the light.
02 / SKETCH & PATTERN
From Reference to Sketch
The first sketch sets the proportions. From there, we refine the neckline, the line of the skirt, and the placement of the beadwork. Founder Jill Schliesmann reviews the drawing before it goes to the pattern makers.
We choose mesh, chiffon, beads, and sequins for the way they affect the weight and movement of the dress. The pattern makers turn the approved sketch into a full-size pattern and transfer the design onto tracing paper for the beaders.
03 / AT THE FRAME
Beadwork by Hand
The artisans transfer the design from tracing paper onto mesh stretched across a wooden frame. They build the pattern bead by bead. The process can take three to four weeks, after which the dress is cut, sewn, and finished by hand.
04 / THE FINISHED GOWNThe Final Fitting
Before a dress leaves the studio, we check the seams, beadwork, and fit. We look at how the beadwork sits where panels meet and how the hem falls when the dress is worn.
Designed in Los Angeles. Handcrafted by specialist artisans exclusively for The Deco Haus.
Explore The IconsSix signature silhouettes from The Deco Haus.