Stitched in the Stars: My Journey Through Dior Haute Couture
Imagine standing amidst a flurry of expert hands, each holding delicate fabric, pins, or sketches, meticulously crafting your wedding gown around you—it's a Cinderella moment, except the fairy godmothers are the esteemed artisans of Dior Haute Couture. From that first measurement to the final stitch, the couture process at Dior is not merely fashion; it’s wearable art woven into the very fabric of history.
Four years ago, I started The Styled by Collective after a decade selling enterprise security software. Fashion had always been my passion, a source of creativity and intuitive expression. Yet, I never dreamed my little passion project would lead to attending couture shows, let alone collaborating with one of the world's most iconic fashion houses. It felt poignantly symbolic that as my professional dreams came true, I found my soulmate, Deven—someone who breathes life into my dreams, making them brighter and more real.
Join me as I share my personal Haute Couture journey, intertwined with the enchanting heritage of Dior.
Love at First Sketch: Choosing Dior
Before making a single wedding decision, Deven and I chose three guiding words. He chose "elegant" for me; I chose "intimate" for him. Together, we decided on "romantic." These weren't merely aesthetic markers—they encapsulated our relationship’s essence. As I wrote in my vows, "It was cosmic, life-altering—like stardust finding its place in the cosmos."
My first meeting with Dior echoed this sentiment—natural, intuitive, and perfectly aligned. Couture liaison Alessandra Maia instantly understood my vision, seamlessly reflecting our wedding’s ethos: elegant, intimate, and romantic.
Measured to Perfection: The First Fitting
Entering my first fitting at the legendary Dior Villa in Paris felt surreal—every detail captured precisely down to the millimeter. A single fitting involved nearly an hour of meticulous measurement, symbolizing the unparalleled artistry and dedication defining Haute Couture.
According to the Fédération de la Haute Couture, "Each couture garment takes approximately 700 to 1000 hours of work," emphasizing the extraordinary level of detail.
From Mood Board to Masterpiece
Imagine your personal vision board coming to life. Inspired by the timeless elegance of San Francisco City Hall, Grace Kelly, and Jasmine Tookes, Dior’s atelier presented three breathtaking sketches, each capturing elements I cherished. Through thoughtful collaboration, we crafted a stunning gown—traditional lace created specifically for my gown by Dior, layered over a corseted nude bodice, blending classic grace with modern sensuality. Choosing a nude corset over a traditional white was intentional—formal yet unapologetically personal. My style is always feminine, polished, and classic, but with runway-inspired twists. The sheer corset felt natural, balancing sensuality and elegance perfectly.
As Antonio Trotto, Dior's Haute Couture Collections Director, beautifully articulates, "Couture is the highest expression of personal style—every dress tells a story unique to the wearer."
Behind the Seams: Crafting the Dress
Watching my gown evolve was profoundly moving. The atelier artisans, each a master, meticulously shaped the lace and silk into a work of art. Dior’s rigorous process involved multiple fittings using toile fabric to ensure flawless perfection.
If you're curious about this meticulous artistry, the documentary Dior and I provides an intimate look into the craftsmanship behind the couture experience.
Embroidered with Stars: Personalizing the Details
Astrology subtly threaded through our wedding—a cosmic detail Dior embraced beautifully. My bouquet featured lily of the valley, Monsieur Dior’s favorite flower, serendipitously chosen before discovering its significance. Even the gown’s lining held delicate Gemini motifs, adding intimate layers of meaning.
Maria Grazia Chiuri captures this beautifully: "Fashion should resonate with the soul." Indeed, these personalized touches transformed my gown into a constellation reflecting our unique love story.
A Family Legacy
Couture’s beauty transcends a single moment; my gown embodies potential as a cherished family heirloom, imbued with love and history. Before losing our home in the fires, I had the honor of wearing my mother’s wedding dress during our engagement photos in Scotland, pairing it thoughtfully with a gold Dior belt and riding boots—a nod to our family’s deep-rooted tradition of endurance horseback riding. Finding a horse in Scotland added its own adventure!
Malika Rambaud, Dior’s Head of Couture, emphasizes this timelessness: "The beauty of couture is that it connects past, present, and future."
Celebrating Art, Craft, and Love
Standing at San Francisco City Hall, my gown shimmering softly beneath a celestial alignment, the moment felt profound, poetic even. Each stitch symbolized a year of creativity, deep collaboration, and the meticulous artistry behind our love story.
Embracing Dior’s couture process taught me fashion transcends mere clothing—it is wearable poetry, as meaningful and purposeful as the love I vowed to nurture with Deven.
Your love story deserves such artistry. Choose couture, and you'll wear a masterpiece stitched with intention, passion, and stars.
My Thanks
I would like to personally thank Alessandra Maia, Gaelle Duval, Marie Leroux, Antonio Trotto, and Maria Grazia Chiuri from the masterful Dior team for their unbelievable work on all of my bridal pieces. You have given me a gift I will never be able to repay. And to Christian Melvin, who has walked with me and been my confidant, therapist, and true north throughout this process.
Bridal by The Styled by Collective
If you are considering couture for your wedding or would simply like some guidance while selecting your wedding dresss, let us expertly sculpt your vision with you. We specialize in turning bridal dreams into reality, ensuring your gown profoundly reflects your unique story.