This one came from a long way off. The groom lives in Germany, so taking his measurements in person was never an option — the whole áo dài was made remotely.
Measuring across the distance
The distance was the challenge. With our guidance he took each measurement himself and we recorded them carefully, cross-checking as we went. Ordering wedding clothes online makes people nervous, understandably, so the guidance is where the effort goes.
Silk, and the finishing
From choosing the silk through the design to the hand embroidery, the work was the same as it would have been in the room. The finished áo dài is pure white with a traditional mandarin collar and a light embroidered motif running down the body.
If you need both
Brides ordering from abroad often need a wedding dress and an áo dài at the same time. Both can be made in one conversation, from one set of measurements, and sent in one shipment.
For a couple ordering both, see a wedding dress and an áo dài ordered in one go, or the red áo dài with a hand-beaded phoenix made for Karen in the USA. Another order from Germany: a floral wedding dress made online for a bride living there.
The first fitting
The first time the groom tried the áo dài on was when he came back to Vietnam. It fitted without any significant alterations — which, for a garment measured entirely at a distance, is exactly what the careful measuring was for.
Why measuring comes first
Like every piece we make, the áo dài was drafted from its own pattern, cut to his measurements rather than a stock size, and sewn with no allowance left to let out later. That is why measuring is the step we spend the most time on. For anyone ordering from abroad we send an illustrated guide and measure together on a video call; sometimes we ask for a second measurement to cross-check. Fabrics go in front of the camera during that call, and the design and the cost are settled in messages. The owner of the studio sews it herself — read who actually makes your dress.
