Custom Wedding Dress Design: How Vanessa Dubasso Created Two Bridal Looks

 

When actress Vanessa Dubasso came to us for her wedding wardrobe, she had a clear vision—and she wasn’t afraid to dream big.

 

Her inspiration? One word: Antoinette.

 

From the moment we saw her Pinterest board—filled with texture, softness, and drama—we knew we were in for a creative journey. Vanessa is an artist through and through, and she wanted a dress that reflected that. Think ethereal, romantic, bold. She wanted wings. A fluffy skirt. Lace. And she wanted it all to feel her.

 

So we got to work.

 

 

Step 1: Creating a fully-custom wedding dress for the ceremony

We started with the ceremony look: a fully custom, two-piece gown that was as dramatic as it was delicate.

 

The crushed taffeta skirt gave it fullness and movement, while the drop corset bodice was detailed with chantilly lace at the bust and damask-style appliqués for an antique feel. A black velvet ribbon tied at the back for just a hint of edge.

 

The finishing touch? Real freshwater pearls hand-beaded into a cross on the bodice—subtle, meaningful, and uniquely Vanessa.

 

 

 

But the process didn’t end there!

 

When we design custom gowns, it’s a collaboration—and like all good creative work, it evolves. In November, Vanessa had a change of heart about the lace. So we pivoted, found new appliqués, and leaned into a look that felt even bolder, even more her.

 

That’s the beauty of going custom. You’re never locked in. You’re free to explore, to shift, to say yes to the dress that feels like you—inside and out.

 

And once her ceremony gown was complete… we kept going.

 

 

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Step 2: Designing wedding dress for rehearsal night

Vanessa had a second vision for her rehearsal dinner. This time: darker. Edgier. Inspired by lingerie, but ready for the runway.

 

We pulled inspiration from Versace and Dolce & Gabbana’s 2023 collections and began crafting a second look that was equal parts gothic and glam. We sourced the perfect sheer black tulle—light enough to float, structured enough to hold shape—and layered it with delicate lace edging.

 

Vanessa also loved corsets, so we brought that silhouette back in with a boned bodice and a black velvet lace-up tie in the front (a subtle echo of the tie on her ceremony gown).

 

The result? A look that was sheer, sultry, a little fairy, a little rock and roll.

 

Vanessa looked like the main character… in the coolest way.

 

 

 

 

At Grace + Ivory, that’s what custom design is all about. It’s not about fitting into tradition. It’s about creating something that fits you.

 

You want a black rehearsal dress? Wings? Pearls, velvet, drama?

 

Let’s make it happen.

 

Start with a virtual consultation or in-person appointment →
We’ll chat, sketch, and bring your wild, beautiful vision to life!