The Dress

Description From Katie May Website:

Our Charleston gown perfectly blends elegance with flare. Features a modernly shaped sweetheart neckline, a tulle illusion skirt, and our signature open back. Other details include:
* Floral applique hand sewn throughout body & skirt
* Rouched detail at rear
* Train measures 68" from top of zipper
* Fully lined
* Handmade in the USA
* 4 month production period

ABOUT MY GOWN & ME
The gown was worn by me for about 5 hours at my home wedding on 09/05/15. This gown was ordered 2/26/15 and was completed and shipped to me from the design studio in Los Angeles on 05/26/15 with a total shipping cost of samples and the final piece of $155. The entire gown was designed and constructed by Katie May in Los Angeles, California USA for $1,650.

During the time of production the Charleston gown was undergoing a re-design with a change to the bodice material and changes to the shoulder straps. Because of this, I was given an option of which design and fabric I would like on my dress. I chose to keep the minimalist spaghetti shoulder straps to highlight the fully backless design, which is exclusive to Katie May and why I love this dress. This plunging and open back is found no where else to such an extreme. In fact, Katie May has trademarked this signature design.
I also chose to use the new stretchier fabric for the bodice, as opposed to the old satin bodice material, which was less forgiving.

So, the result is, this gown is a unique mix of the old and new Charleston design. The new design has a prominent strap on the bodice, so if you are looking for a nearly strapless AND backless look, ONLY MY GOWN and older versions of the Charleston have this feature.

My measurements/size at the time of production:

Height: 5' 10" + (TOMS Wedding Linen/Cork wedges were worn approx. +3" heel)
Bust: 38" D cup
Waist: 31"
Hip: 42"

Shoulder straps were brought up (approx 3"),
Waist/sides were brought in (approx 3").
Hips were brought in at sides (approx 2-3").
Hem was shortened to my height with shoes (approx 6'1").
Ballroom bustle with multiple loops and buttons were added to keep the many layers of tulle up during the reception. Alterations were performed by professional seamstress Lei, at "Custom Fit To You" located in "The Bridal Loft" collective in Portland, Oregon for a total cost of $350.

The dress was professionally cleaned at Prestige Dry Cleaners in Lake Oswego, Oregon using Eco-friendly solutions at a cost of $130. The gown is currently stored in its original Katie May garment bag and the bust is stuffed with acid free preservation tissue to maintain its shape. The gown is stain free and is offered for sale in excellent, "as-is" condition.