This royal blue gown originally had a half-corset back with a zip below it. I removed the zip, extended the corset opening and finished the restyling with a hand-shaped bow.
Completing the Corset Back
The original zip was removed so the corset opening could continue down towards the waist. The lace panels were opened, measured and rebuilt around the new back, with new loops added before the dress was sewn back together. The longer corset opening also gave the gown more flexibility in fit.
Working with the Original Lace
The original lace framed the back and continued into the skirt, so the placement needed to remain balanced around the new corset opening. I removed and repositioned the existing lace where necessary rather than covering the original design with new decoration.
MAKING THE BOW
I made the bow by hand from blue fabric, shaping each loop to hold its volume rather than pressing it flat. The long tails fall into the fullness of the skirt, while the bow sits at the lower back between the fitted corset and the full skirt.
THE FINISHED DRESS
The finished back now reads as one continuous design: a full corset opening, balanced original lace and a large hand-shaped bow. The alteration changed both the fit and the back silhouette while keeping the character of the original gown.
My aim is to keep the process clear and calm. You should know what is happening to your dress, why it needs to be done, and how it will help the dress feel better on you. Private bridal fitting and eveningwear alteration appointments are available in Kingston upon Thames.
Royal Blue Gown Restyling: Corset Back & Hand-Shaped Bow This
