The Dress

This was the first dress I tried on and I couldn't get it out of my mind. It was way above my budget but it made me feel amazing and you can't put a price on that. No regrets!! I would love for you to feel the same way. It's more of a party dress than your traditional wedding dress, which is what I loved about it. Elegant and classy. Despite so many sequins it's actually really simple and subtle.

I'm usually a size 10 but fitted a size 12 in this dress. It would fit a size 10 - 12. My measurements are Waist 74cms, Hips 95cm and Bust 92cms. I am 160cms tall and wore 9cm heels. As the dress clings lovely to your figure the only alternations I had done were:

* Taken in under the arms across the chest by half a cm each side. Very marginal but it just sat nicer.
* Bust cups inserted in to the lining. I am a B cup but would fit up to a D cup. I paid extra for the seamstress to unpick the lining and insert the cups inside so they couldn't be seen if I was bending over.
* Straps shortened slightly and reinforced
* French bustle added - ties in under the dress to make a beautiful fish tail and perfect for dancing.
* Hemmed to my height at front and sides but kept the train as original.

Due to the delicate sequins I decided to hand wash this dress (took 2 hours :)) instead of dry cleaning. It has come up amazing. Some very slight marks under lining but not noticeable at all. No rips, tears etc. Only a few sequins have come off under one of the arms but I have plenty of spares.

Currently stored in it's original box in acid free paper to reduce any moisture getting in.

More from the Karen Willis Holmes Website:

Anya is the ultimate sequin wedding gown. She is iconic to KAREN WILLIS HOLMES and boasts minimalism and elegance. Delicate spaghetti straps and a completely beaded and sequinned bias skirt give you a stunning form-fitting shape. Anya makes for an incredible reception gown too and the perfect gown to shorten after your wedding.

Finished with a fine beaded belt.

Try ons welcome if you're in the Christchurch area or I often travel up to Wellington. I can also do a zoom viewing and/or send extra photos.

Retail price in NZ at Paperswan bride is $3800, Alterations were additional NZD960. Yes ouch but it was worth it.

Alterations

Taken in under the arms across the chest by half a cm each side. Very marginal but it just sat nicer.
* Bust cups inserted in to the lining. I paid extra for the seamstress to unpick the lining and insert the
cups inside so they couldn't be seen if I was bending over.
* Straps shortened slightly and reinforced
* French bustle added - ties in under the dress to make a beautiful fish tail and perfect for dancing.
* Hemmed to my height at front and sides but kept the train as original.