AUTHENTICITY

In this competitive and fast paced world of fashion we are living in, there are alternatives to getting dressed and stand out.

The solution is of course to slow down and take your time together with a dressmaker/designer to have your clothes designed and custom made, without compromising quality and Savoir-faire.

It is not a cheap solution, but more sustainable and the clothes will last longer.

 
UPDATE! This website is closed, but you can still reach me via Contact in the Menu.

BONJOUR AND HELLO FROM MONTREAL

Just a minor update, to tell you all that I am still alive and well; doing my thing here in Montreal.
These days, I mainly post on this blog.

I would love to reconnect. Hope to see you around. . .

 

Model Amélie, Photo: Daniel Dlément

A NEW EXPERIENCE !

Since last, I´ve started at "The biggest Bridal shop in Denmark", as a correction-tailor in their workshop. We are a small team, that takes care of all the corrections from the fittings of the party- and wedding dresses they sell.

I am getting some new experience and already I´ve found out that it is not something I´m going to do forever.
I have just been confirmed in my own assumptions, how quality and price is linked together. You get what you pay for - nothing less, nothing more.

It can be really frustrating to fix corrections, that staff who haven´t got the knowledge to do, have done. It would be much easier to find the right dress in a size as close to the customer as possible. Then the corrections would be easier to do in time.
Even if the shop has the biggest selection, it can be hard, if there is only one of each, especially if the dress you like, is not available in the right size.

Simply because, there is a limit for, how far from one´s size you can correct a dress, so that it is fitting well without losing all of it´s features.
Some corrections can´t simply not be done and others are so complicated, that it takes hours to fix them. Sometimes it´s actually almost faster to do a new dress instead.

 Inspiring weddingdress from the American designer,  
Irene Lentz (1900 - 1962)

Do I need to say, that its a completely different story to have a made-to-measure dress made.

Here the starting point will be your mesures, your idéas and wishes. You will get a totally unique wedding dress in a good quality, that fits perfect.

If you are interested, read more under Services in the menu.

PATTERN-MAKING

Vogue Vintage Pattern Illustration

I have to admit, that I am not a big fan of readymade patterns, though they can be very inspiring.

Because, if you are not a perfect standard size, there will always be adjustments. Besides you never know how much they already added for ease.
Of course you can also drape a pattern, but I think that is a very time consuming process.

I am using the German Pattern-system called Rundschau and prefer to make every pattern based on personal measurements.
Each customer is different and by analysing and measuring their body, I am able to minimize adjustments and get very close to a perfect shape.

If you are a professional, what do you use and what are your experience ?

I am also curious if you readers would like me to post about "How to"-subjects here on my blog ? Wishes and suggestions are welcome.

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY - ON THE GO!

Gala dress, photo by Steen Donsby, Model: Trine Bolander

Why limit yourself ? -I mean, with the internet there is no limits.

Clients abroad is of course an option! Especially when you live in a small city/country like Denmark, you have to think outside "the box" when you want to succeed.

That is why I´m offering my service to future clients, when I´m traveling locally, nationally and abroad.

If you can´t find the time, but still want to look the part, without compromising design, fit and quality, don´t hesitate to make an appointment. That is, if you like the idea and what I do.

Currently you have the chance to make an appointment, if you live in San Francisco or Montreal, since I´m staying there during the Holidays.

Feel free to contact me or follow the blog to stay updated. For further information, take a look at the menu.

Photo: Daniel Clément, Exhibition 2010

CORSET HANGERS

I have been looking for a solution to store corsets for ages.

I finally found a solution. Remembering a TV-program I saw not long time ago, when I came across these hangers. I didn´t think of it before, but these hangers actually works brilliantly.

These corsets are primarily showpieces, made in American sizes 6, 8 and 10, English sizes 8, 10 and 12 and European sizes 36, 38 and 40. 

You can make a good deal by purchasing one of them, if they fit you or order a measure-made corset, which is one of my specialties.

THE STEPS TO INDULGENCE

One-of-a-kind Gala dress made of silk-taffeta, backed with silk-organdy.
Only available in size 8/38. Photo and Design by John Frantsen

The Procedure always starts with an appointment, where we take the time to find out what you want and how I can help you.
When we have agreed on a model and a price-range, I am going to take your measures and we´ll make a new appointment.
In the meantime I am going to make your personal pattern, to cut it in silk-paper and make a Muslin/ calico. The Muslin/calico is a basic model used for the first fitting.

At the following appointment you have to try on the Muslin/Calico, so I can make the adjustments. We discuss the details and what kind of fabric could be suitable and you´ll have to pay a deposit, for me to use on materials.

The third appointment is the fitting of the Calico with all the adjustments or the final fabric, if the first fit were a success.

At the last appointment we have the fitting of the final result and of course the payment.

By now you´ll be the happy owner of a total unique dress that makes you look gorgeous and feel very special. That is what indulgences is all about.

A WEDDING COLLECTION

Now the time has finally come to create my very own things.
After a series of wedding dresses on commission, I need to create and show how a wedding dress should look like.

I have been thinking about making an exclusive collection of wedding dresses for a long time, where I do not have to compromise on design, quality, materials and price.

The different models of the collection will of course be characterized by my personal design philosophy, that is still the thoughtful design, the modern expression, the good fit, the different and lavish material choices that, together with the execution, which will work towards a higher level, to emphasize the per-sonality of the brides.

The design will be made in simple and clean lines, without excessive decorations. Instead the emphasis will be on the cut and new color- and fabric combinations.  

The different dresses will mainly be made in silk, which of course the prices will reflect.

Dress details, Photo: John Frantsen

THE NAME OF THE GAME

The Time has come to change the name of my company and this website. I have chosen a more telling name, for what I am doing.
That is John Frantsen by Appointment, instead of John Frantsen COUTURE. Because it is what I am doing. Made-to-measure on commission.

Of course that doesn't mean I am compromising on quality. My design philosophy will still be charac-terized by the thoughtful design, the perfect fit, the well crafted clothes. -All that brings it together on a higher level, to emphasize the personality of the customer.

In the course of time and through my creative work, impressions and experiences, I have developed the Design philosophy, which is the basis of all my creations. All of this has given me a deep understanding and aesthetic sense for what beauty is and can be.

If you stay conscious and are aware of what is going on, you might develop some aesthetic sense to.
But essentially, it all comes down to taste and pleasure.