TIME TAKEN TO
MAKE A DRESS
OVERVIEW
Time Taken to Make a Dress was founded in 2010 by designers Letitia Phay and Jade Swee, who met while working in a bridal studio.
Process of making a garment
From the outset, they have created experimental cuts and intricate handwork that defies the traditions of bridalwear. The designers work closely with their customers to create complex, flattering pieces that express the personality of the wearer.
Time Taken to Make A Dress
Letitia Phay and Jade Swee
Singapore, 2017
Cheongsam
Silk organza, unbleached cotton lace
and tassels, crystals, beads
Collection of Time Taken to Make A Dress
*
Glossary
Cording
An embroidery technique where cords, or ropes, are sewn on to fabrics, creating intricate patterns in three-dimensional relief.
C
This piece created in conjunction with Chinese Cultural Week — an international annual event featuring creations of top fashion designers from Singapore and China — reinterprets elements from a traditional cheongsam. The classic cheongsam cut gives way to dramatic tassels in hand-painted red ombre.
The elegant translucent lace features ribbon work and is encrusted with hand-sewn crystals. The dress caught the attention of Singaporean actress Constance Lau, who wore it to the Hollywood premiere of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018.
The classic cheongsam cut gives way to dramatic tassels in hand-painted red ombre.
*
Glossary
Tassels
Decorative hanging cords,
or threads, usually utilised
on the hem of garments
to accentuate movement.
T
Rather than conforming to trends, the designers enjoy experimenting with different techniques that best cater to individual clients. The concept of made-to-measure allows for their designs to be influenced by the wearer’s personality traits.
PROCESS
Applying lace, pleating and creating new embellishment textures are some of the crafts that the designers frequently work with.
Considering the appropriate fit and fabric choices to cater to their intended target audience in the Singapore’s market, Letitia and Jade usually work with light fabrics to bring ease of movement and overall comfort for the wearer.
*
Glossary
Proportion
A design principle that considers the size of components such as
colour, print and lines that divide the body visually.
P
next:
Carol Chen
Time Taken to Make
a dress
OVERVIEW
Time Taken to Make a Dress was founded in 2010 by designers Letitia Phay and Jade Swee, who met while working in a bridal studio.
From the outset, they have created experimental cuts and intricate handwork that defies the traditions of bridalwear. The designers work closely with their customers to create complex, flattering pieces that express the personality of the wearer.
Process of making a garment
Time Taken to Make A Dress
Letitia Phay and Jade Swee
Singapore, 2017
Cheongsam
Silk organza, unbleached cotton lace and tassels, crystals, beads
Collection of Time Taken to Make A Dress
Glossary
The classic cheongsam cut gives way to dramatic tassels in hand-painted red ombre.
This piece created in conjunction with Chinese Cultural Week — an international annual event featuring creations of top fashion designers from Singapore and China — reinterprets elements from a traditional cheongsam. The classic cheongsam cut gives way to dramatic tassels in hand-painted red ombre.

The elegant translucent lace features ribbon work and is encrusted with hand-sewn crystals. The dress caught the attention of Singaporean actress Constance Lau, who wore it to the Hollywood premiere of Crazy Rich Asians in 2018.
Glossary
PROCESS
Applying lace, pleating and creating new embellishment textures are some of the crafts that the designers frequently work with.
Rather than conforming to trends, the designers enjoy experimenting with different techniques that best cater to individual clients. The concept of made-to-measure allows for their designs to be influenced by the wearer’s personality traits.
Considering the appropriate fit and fabric choices to cater to their intended target audience in the Singapore’s market, Letitia and Jade usually work with light fabrics to bring ease of movement and overall comfort for the wearer.
Glossary
next:
‍Carol Chen
Please rotate your device for
a better viewing experience.