Onto
my gown designer hunt, the last designer on my list is Elizabeth Hallie Vy.
She's another W@W find, whose creations suited my taste. My inspirations are on
the simple, classy, romantic designs with lace craftsmanship as the star of the
dress. When I saw this designer's work, I just knew I gotta inquire with her to
check if her price range is within what we're willing to spend.
As
I wait for her response, I learnt that a friend of mine recently commissioned
Hallie for a long dress she wore to a wedding. From what I saw from the pictures,
the dress of my friend was lovely; and cleanly sewn too. Days after, the email I’ve
been waiting for landed in my inbox, and she quoted me a reasonable price for
the design I want. Soon, the consultation date and time has been smoothly
arranged via email as she was quick to reply already after the initial lag.
Presto, another designer meeting in Adrin’s and mine’s calendar.
Appointment day came and after meeting for lunch, Adrin and I headed to Hallie’s place in Urdaneta Village.
Hers was an expansive abode, with house staffs greeting and leading clients to
the actual office. Upon seeing us, it appears to me that she’s not expecting
anyone at that time. I had to remind her a bit of the appointment we set thru
mail. Not sure if she actually remembered it, but she shortly seated us on her
desk and started on the agenda.
Her
first question to me was whether I have pegs or sample gowns I want, which I quickly
answered positively while simultaneously bringing out the printouts from my bag.
She asked me what I liked about those dresses so I next pointed out the details
that appealed to me. After which, Hallie began sketching for the dress quietly.
It was only after she finished with both the front and back views did she
explain her plan. As she tells us more about it, I’m not exactly charmed as what
she drew is very similar to the designs I’ve shown her. Sharing that I want a “second
look”, she proceeded to draw, and it was only then that I actually got excited
as I got to see her own creativity manifest in that sheet of paper without
veering much from my aesthetic preferences.
We
discussed as well the kinds of fabrics she’ll use and requested to see some
samples. Apparently there are no fabric swatches in her office, so she had to
call a staff for the fabric to be brought in there. This is where I was truly
turned off, because as she phoned her staff, her tone was quite harsh
for my liking.
Last
agenda for the meeting is the entourage dresses. She shared us the cost for
those dresses and drafted a bridal package for us to ponder on. Aside from
bridal dresses and entourage, she also creates barongs for grooms which she
included in the package she printed out. Commissioning her for a bridal gown
though would entitle you to the standard wedding accessories like pillows,
cord, primary and secondary veil and pouch. The unique item in her freebies
would be the customized shoes for the bride. After that, we quickly wrapped up
and we’re led out of their place.
Getting
in the car, Adrin’s first question was, “Ano, nakapili ka na?”. Instantly I know
that he didn’t like how the meeting went. The whole thing only lasted 20mins.,
and this has been the shortest meeting we ever had for a designer. It’s mainly
because Hallie was not much of a talker. She barely asked us about our
preparations. Whenever we ask something, her responses are somewhat one-liners,
and there was no small talk whatsoever. All three other designers we met before
her were not as silent as she was. Given
that I’m new to this, and am not quite a talker myself, I feel that I’ll have a
hard time working with her. Working out a bridal gown is not a once or twice
meet-up with the couturier. I see it as a partnership between the bride and the
designer. And in this flight, I know that she’s not the right partner for me.
Elizabeth Hallie Vy
Elizabeth Vy Designs
Email: ehlvph@gmail.com
Cheers!
