Wedding
Services
Historical Reproduction Wedding Dresses
Lydia from 'Dressing The Past' is a PhD student specialising in Art History, Theatre and Fashion History, and has been running a professional costuming business for the past four years. Lydia creates garments primarily for women, but is happy to consider items for men and children depending on the style and occasion.
She is happy to create reproductions of dresses and outfits from any source: museum collections, paintings, illustrations and film and TV costumes, to name a few.
Lydia is also always happy to hear from prospective brides, and can create exact historical reproduction wedding dresses, or a more modern design based on antique sources (for example a slim-fitting Regency empire-line gown, or a dress with a small version of the Victorian bustle).
Lydia can also provide garments for theatre, film and TV, including amateur dramatics (if you would like her to provide an entire wardrobe for a play, do feel free to get in touch, although be aware she will need at least eight months to a year to complete your order).
Prices vary wildly depending on the design, but bespoke costumes are always significantly more than retail garments: a custom-made costume is not the same as one you might hire from a fancy dress shop, being moulded specifically to your body and exact specifications.
For many projects a considerable amount of research will also need to be conducted, and please note that customers must always buy the fabric on top of the labour charge, unless otherwise agreed.
Based in Bristol in the UK, Lydia is always happy to meet prospective clients for a preliminary chat, even if nothing firm has been decided on for their garment. Please note that images on her website are often replaced to show new designs, so if you'd like to see other examples of Lydia's work not currently shown then just drop her a line.
"I received the dress today - it's absolutely perfect and fits beautifully, thanks so much!"
Emma's 1840s gown
"The dress fitted perfectly!...just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into my project."
Collwyn's 1780s gown
"Excellent!! Lovely item, very fast delivery. Very highly recommended!!!"
Catherine's Regency dress
"Absolutely amazing, wonderful service, Thank You!"
Sam's 1812 gown and spencer jacket
"I have my wedding dress on a mannequin in our bedroom
and am still in love with it."
Amy's 1950s wedding dress
Visit Lydia's website
She is happy to create reproductions of dresses and outfits from any source: museum collections, paintings, illustrations and film and TV costumes, to name a few.
Lydia is also always happy to hear from prospective brides, and can create exact historical reproduction wedding dresses, or a more modern design based on antique sources (for example a slim-fitting Regency empire-line gown, or a dress with a small version of the Victorian bustle).
Lydia can also provide garments for theatre, film and TV, including amateur dramatics (if you would like her to provide an entire wardrobe for a play, do feel free to get in touch, although be aware she will need at least eight months to a year to complete your order).
Prices vary wildly depending on the design, but bespoke costumes are always significantly more than retail garments: a custom-made costume is not the same as one you might hire from a fancy dress shop, being moulded specifically to your body and exact specifications.
For many projects a considerable amount of research will also need to be conducted, and please note that customers must always buy the fabric on top of the labour charge, unless otherwise agreed.
Based in Bristol in the UK, Lydia is always happy to meet prospective clients for a preliminary chat, even if nothing firm has been decided on for their garment. Please note that images on her website are often replaced to show new designs, so if you'd like to see other examples of Lydia's work not currently shown then just drop her a line.
"I received the dress today - it's absolutely perfect and fits beautifully, thanks so much!"
Emma's 1840s gown
"The dress fitted perfectly!...just wanted to tell you how much I appreciate the time and effort you put into my project."
Collwyn's 1780s gown
"Excellent!! Lovely item, very fast delivery. Very highly recommended!!!"
Catherine's Regency dress
"Absolutely amazing, wonderful service, Thank You!"
Sam's 1812 gown and spencer jacket
"I have my wedding dress on a mannequin in our bedroom
and am still in love with it."
Amy's 1950s wedding dress
Visit Lydia's website
