Creating a bespoke Cinderella dress inspired by Grace Kelly
Sunday 21 July 2024
Creating "the Cinderella," a bespoke silk gown for Leonora Smee.
THE CINDERELLA DRESS: THE VISION
We had the pleasure of creating a bespoke gown for Leonora Smee — digital creator, events curator, and luxury brand strategist — whose career has taken her from international show-jumping arenas to the front row of fashion's most elegant occasions.
Leonora came to us with a clear vision of a dress to attend Henley Festival in 2024: timeless glamour with a personal twist.
A DRESS IN CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP
Together, Jennifer, founder of THE MODISTE, and Leonora created a moodboard including Grace Kelly in the classic 1955 Hitchcock romantic thriller "To Catch a Thief," alongside images of Princess Diana, corsetry, royal silks, and sweeping floor length silhouettes.
From there, we worked closely to shape a floor length silk gown that felt both cinematic and entirely Leonora's own.
"Leonora was such a joy to create for — she came with a beautiful sense of nostalgia and a clear inspiration.
Our aim was to honour that classic Grace Kelly vintage feel while creating something distinctly new and modern.
We are really proud of our Cinderella, she's romantic, refined, and effortlessly elegant."
Jennifer French, founder of THE MODISTE
THE CINDERELLA DRESS DEBUT
The final gown, in a soft, powder blue silk, featured a gently structured bodice, romantic draping across the shoulders, and a full skirt designed to move fluidly with each step.
Each element was crafted by hand in our Buckinghamshire atelier, where traditional techniques meet a deeply considered design process. From the meticulous pattern-cutting, to the careful drape of the silk and hand-finished fastenings, "the Cinderella" was shaped by our dressmaking team's shared expertise that is at the heart of our work.
Worn with jewellery by Boodles, the gown made its debut with Leonora on the banks of the Thames: a contemporary Cinderella moment under summer skies. You can watch the dress's reveal on her YouTube channel.
"This dress is an absolutely dream come true for me. From the style to the colour, to the way it moves and the way it fits… I am absolutely blown away by the talent at THE MODISTE.
Inspired by Grace Kelly in her iconic role in To Catch a Thief, I feel like this dress encapsulates my personality and I could not be more delighted with it."
Leonora Smee
MAKE YOUR DREAM DRESS COME TRUE
Follow THE MODISTE on Instagram @themodisteuk for more glimpses into our world of couture, craftsmanship and modern heirlooms.
If you're dreaming of a bespoke gown for a special occasion, we would be delighted to bring your vision to life. We also offer a made-to-order couture service based on designs from our signature collections.
To begin your bespoke journey, please get in touch: we'd love to create something unforgettable with you.
