Buying Your made to measure dress - How does it work ?
At Johanna Hehir they have a large selection of styles, colours and sizes on display in their store. They are also able to vary styles to suit personal tastes and requirements e.g. necklines, sleeve and hem length, and trim details etc. However it is best to make an appointment to see one of their trained stylists to discuss your requirements, as they are often busy with clients who have booked in advance.

All the sales stylists have fashion design training and several are graduates of St Martins or The London School of Fashion. One of their trained stylists will discuss the occasion with you and then suggest various styles and colours that will suit you.

If, after trying on several styles and colours, you find one you would like to have made to fit you, the stylist will do a first fitting in the size closest to yours. From these measurements they will then do the necessary pattern amendments and cut a new dress.

The stylist will make an appointment with you for a second fitting to check the fit and to see if any further adjustments need to be made. Normally two fittings are sufficient and occasionally a third fitting for fine-tuning. Bridal wear can sometimes require a fourth fitting, depending on whether or not a toile has been required.

How long does it take?
For evening and occasion wear they require a minimum of 3 to 4 weeks notice (subject to fabric availability) and the workroom schedule.

For Bridal wear they require between 6 to 9 months notice, because there are usually more fittings involved and fabrics may need to be ordered. Occasionally they can turn things around quicker, workroom schedule permitting. During the busy summer bridal season (June to August) there tends to be a particularly heavy load on the workroom, so they need extra time to schedule production. If you require a dress for a summer wedding or one of the main summer social events it pays to book well in advance. August for example is the most popular month for weddings and you will need to plan well ahead if you require something for then. Bridesmaids dresses normally require minimum 3 months notice.

How much does it cost?
Their evening and occasion wear dresses start from £399 for made to measure. The average for knee length is £500 and long dresses are between £1000 and £2000.

Made to measure bridal wear is generally between £2000 and £5000 depending on style and fabrication. Slim contemporary evening style dresses are between £1800 and £2500. More structured traditional A-line dresses are between £2000 and £5000

Bridal couture styles, requiring design changes and a personal consultation with one of the designers, start from £3000.

A 50% deposit is payable at the time of order and the balance is payable at the 2nd fitting. All prices quoted on the website are estimates. There may be some variation depending on design and pattern changes or increases in fabric quantities and prices.