CUSTOM DEBS DRESSES

CHOOSING FABRICS

The key to any dress is the fabric. For starters it should complement your hair and skin tone. Some fabrics and styles won’t work well together so get advice from the shop staff before you make your purchase. Your designer or dressmaker will also be able to guide you.

This year’s hottest fabrics include silk, satin and organza in a variety of colours – aquamarine, aubergine, turquoise and pink. And don’t forget fabric for your wrap – they’re great for keeping out the cold and also camouflage broader arms and shoulders

Hickeys manager Philip Byrne says most of his customers are after the latest catwalk fashion when it comes to the Debs. They want to “mirror a particular look” as opposed to buying a pattern. Hickeys stock a wide range of fabrics and patterns for the Debs.

Just Fabrics in Roosky, Monaghan, stock everything from lace and silk to satin, velvet and organza. Manager Ann Larkin says that dresses are becoming very personalised and most girls have a clear idea of what they want. She is selling a lot of trimming, beading and feathers and says that most of this is influenced by film award ceremonies and the catwalk.

Ann offers a personal service and often puts girls in contact with local dressmakers and designers. She advises all girls to book their dressmaker six months in advance as local dressmakers book up very quickly. She also keeps a record of who buys what fabric to ensure that girls attending the same Debs will not be wearing the same fabric and colour. “From November we stock a number of ‘wow fabrics’ and we only buy enough for three dresses so it is very exclusive.”

FABRIC TIPS

• Check with your dressmaker or designer before purchasing fabric
  
• Get the advice of the shop’s staff
  
• Bright and illuminous silk fabrics crease easily
  
• Take a sample of your fabric with you when you are buying your shoes and accessories
  
• Carry a tub of pins with you on the night – some fabrics tear easily