Elizabeth commissioned a couture gown for her daughter’s Traditional Yoruba Engagement ceremony which took place a few days before her white wedding. I decided to create an gown that fused Yoruba and Western style elements.

The gown comprised of an off the shoulders corset bodice with 3/4 length sleeves and a trumpet silhouette skirt with a puddle train. The heavily beaded burnt orange tulle fabric with 3D flower detailing was backed with a satin underlay. I harvested some of the flowers to be hand stitched strategically throughout the gown.

The outfit was completed with a traditional head tie called a gele and shawl worn over the left shoulder in a bespoke Nigerian fabric called Aso-Oke handwoven in silk threads and embellished with pearls and burnt orange beads.

Location: The Resort At Pelican Hill, Newport Beach, CA.

Please play the video to view the process.

What are your thoughts or questions about the process involved in the creation of this gown? Please leave your comments below.