A universally flattering silhouette with a slightly flared skirt and less defined waistline.

Alterations include any work or changes made to a gown either from the pattern or in the way the gown is fitted to your personal requirements at a fitting.

The handwork of cutting of lace motifs and features and applying them to a gown for a uique and 3D look.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns featuring applique work include 'Faith', 'Sophia' and the 'Prea Lace Jacket'

An asymmetrical gown is one which the draping is different on both sides.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns of this style include 'Giselle' & 'Rebecca'

Alternatively called a Princess silhouette this style of gown is defined by a tight fitting bodice and full skirt.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns of this style include 'Sophia', 'Madelyn' & 'Paige'

Is the art of sewing beads to fabric with a needle and thread either in a defined pattern design or scattered randomly.

The KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gown that feature beading is the 'Heidi' gown and can be added to any other gown at an additional cost.

An accessory, usually embellished either sewn on to the gown or left as a separate piece to be worn with your wedding gown.  A belt is a great way at defining you waist!

When fabric is cut on the 45 degree angle across the grain of the fabric. The fabric drapes and clings beautifully. Cutting on the bias gives the fabric a natural stretch and ease.

A neckline which runs along the collar bone from shoulder the shoulder.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns featuring this neckline include 'Doris', 'Molly' & 'Emily'.

Used inside a corset structure on the seams of the inside panels to add strength to the corset. The term boning comes from the historic practice of corsetry in which whale bones were used.

The Australian made KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Couture & Demi Couture bridal gowns have become so sought after that in order to keep up with demand Karen has now developed  this new collection.

Using Karen’s own patterns and styles the BRIDE by KAREN WILLIS Collection has opened up the unfaltering attention to detail and exceptional fit to more brides nationally and internationally. The collection has evolved from the desire to expand the business globally but still maintain the style, glamour and quality associated with the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES label.

Working with production houses globally has allowed KAREN WILLIS HOLMES to utilise & incorporate certain techniques that can only be achieved by employing artisans from other parts of the world as this is a craft they have practised for centuries.  

The way the train on a wedding gown is tied up at the back to move it out of the way for the evening festivities.

These can be ordered as a fastening option for the Demi Couture Collection (at an additional cost).  They are on the outside centre back of the gown and when the buttons are in exactly the correct spot for you, the bodice can be as firm as with the lace up options. There may be more work involved to have the gown fitted to your body shape by a dressmaker.

A short sleeve covering the shoulders.

The perfect train for the fairytale look - this train comes with a bustle to hook up the train to allow you to dance the night away with out the fear of being stepped on!

See Centre Back

An invisible vertical line that runs down the centre of your body at the back used as a marker and reference point in patternmaking, sewing and fitting.

An invisible vertical line that runs down the centre of your body at the front used as a marker and reference point in patternmaking, sewing and fitting.

See Centre Front

A fine and delicate lace with a beautiful scalloped edge.  These laces can also come embellished with beads ann crystals.

Chantilly Lace is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Victoria', 'Estelle', 'Mia' & 'Doris'.

The most popular length train as it dramatic without being over the top.

The skirt shaped used for many of our ballgown styles.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns of this style include 'Sophia', 'Madelyn', 'Maddie', 'Molly' & 'Paige'

A stunning lace design which has been outlined with a fine corded - for a multi-dimensional look.

Corded Lace is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Dakota', 'Rachel' & the 'Prea' lace jacket.

A corset in a KAREN WILLIS HOLMES gown is internally hidden and can be very heavily boned.  These corsets are designed to be as firm and tight as possible. The corset is not visible as it is constructed between the lining and the shell of the gown.

Each gown is made to order starting with an initial design consultation and takes five fittings starting with a calico toile. You can have anything you want design wise and it is made to fit you perfectly.  It of course depends on what you do decide upon but the average price for a KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Couture gown is between $7,000 - $15,000. All appointments and fittings are with Karen.

A neckline with draped folds.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns featuring this neckline include 'Tiffany'.

A sheer lightweight fabric made from silk with a crepe-like finish. The Silk Georgette has been highly twisted which causes the fabric to crinkle.

Crinkle Silk Georgette is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Vanessa' & 'Natalie'.

Darts are fold sewn into fabric to help provide a 3D shape to the garment on a form. A single-pointed dart is triangular in share with a wide edge and a point at the other - this is most commonly used in the bust area to form the fabric.  A shaped dart has a point at both ends, like a diamond and is most commonly used at the waistline of the bodice.

The upper part of a woman's showcasing the neck, collarbone, shoulders and bust area.

Gowns are made to order but to a standard size.  Samples of this collection are available to view and try on at KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Boutiques in Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane.

All Demi Couture gowns are made in Australia.

The gowns range in price from $1,989 - $4,989.

An item which is detachable can be removed - we use poppers to add sleeves and collars to gowns which can be removed by the bride if she wishes.

A small ornament such as a rhinestone, bead or sequin which is applied to fabric or used in the design of embellished motif.

The method and way in which fabric is arranged on a dress gown.

A historical technique of decorative needlework on fabric of threads and beading.

Embroidery is featured with the KWH by KAREN WILLIS HOLMES gowns.

An empire gown has a fitted bodice which ends under the bust with a long skirt which elongates the figure.

This is where the waistline starts just below the bust of your wedding dress. It can run straight across or it can curve down the sides where it meets the small of the back.

A less traditional option with an elegant look with design features like flowers, embellished motifs or feathers.  Fascinator for brides can also have a veil netting feature similar to a birdcage veil.

Alternatively refered to as a Mermaid silhouette this style is a for fitting bodice style with a flared hem.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns of this style include 'Renee', 'Katherine', 'Angelina' & 'Jillian'.

When a bride tries on her actual wedding gowns for the first time. At a fitting we can pin the hem to mark the correct length of the gown for you, mark where the buttons will go (if you have chosen a Demi Couture gown) and any additional alterations that may occur to fit the gown to your body shape by a fitter.

A general term of all skirts which have a fuller hemline.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns of this style include 'Jacqueline', 'Maddie' and 'Sophia'.

The way in which fabric is pulled closer together.

Glimmer Tulle is exactly the same as normal tulle except there is a shimmer to its appearance.

Glimmer Tulle is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Felicity', 'Estelle' & 'Sophia'.

A heavier lace, 3D like which is perfect for applique work due to the bold prominent design.

Guipure lace is used on the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture 'Jillian' gown.

An often midused term Haute Couture is a term protected by law in France and is regulated by the Paris Chamber of Commerce. To be considered for a place within the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture a fashion house must include:

1. Designs must be made-to-order for private clients with a least one fitting.

2. Have a workshop in Paris and employ a minimum of fifteen full time staff.

3. Must present a collection consisting of a least thirty five looks to the Paris press twice a year (Fall & Spring/Summer)

This fabric is defined by the type of fabric weave which is diagonal lines. This fabric resists wrinkles and has a sheen to its appearance.

Heavy Twill is used on a number of KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns including 'Jacqueline', 'Prea' & 'Kelly'.

The hip is the widest point of the torso, as standard it is 25cm below your waistline.

A petticoat which has a hoop sewn inside and is worn underneath the skirt of the gown to add fullness.

A zip which is very hard to see! Hence it's name.  Used in the skirts of the Demi Couture Collection and as the fastening in the KWH by KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Collection.

Ivory is off white in colour, similar to that of ivory tusks from animals.  The majority of KAREN WILLIS HOLMES gowns are made in Ivory as standard.

Accessories to complete your wedding day look including and not limited to earrings, necklace, bracelet and headpieces like Tiaras.

Our Ready to Wear Collection which is sold of the rack. The details and embroidery on this new range are striking and this has been achieved by employing artisans from around the world.

Lace making is an ancient craft of an openwork fabric patterned with open holes complete by hand ir machine.  At KAREN WILLIS HOLMES we use a variety of laces including Corded, Chantilly, and Guipure.

This is back closure we use on the majority of the Demi Couture Collection and is the standard fastening option. It is a great choice as it is more flexible than having buttons; if needed you just need to pull the ribbons tighter to pull in the waist.

Originally from Spain this veil is defined by the lace detailing around the edge of the veil. Unlike other veils a Mantilla veil is styled to sit at the crown of the head framing the face.

The specific colour referencing given to some fabrics we use at KAREN WILLIS HOLMES including Silk Georgette, Heavy Crepe Satin, Savannah Silk Satin and the Sequin Georgette.

Similar to Tulle in structure and material but stiffer which can be used for veils, head pieces and in gowns.

A neckline shape which sits off the shoulder.

Exactly as the term is described this is a gown featuring a strap across one shoulder only.

A crisper sheer like chiffon fabric which a stiffer texture.

Organza is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Paige' & 'Katherine'.

The parts of a peice of clothing which have been cut into shapes or panels.

Pattern Alterations are offered for the Demi Couture Collection.

The original pattern is altered before we cut the gown pattern out for your order - these are made upon request at an additional cost.

Pear shape is a metaphorical term relating a woman's body shape to the shape of a pear - where you are wide in the hips in proportion to the other elements of your body.

A thin, narrow and fitted skirt - in the shape of a pencil!

A short flared ruffle attached to the waistline of a dress, bodice or jacket.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns featuring a peplum include 'Prea Lace Jacket', & 'Sarah'

The layers inside a skirt to add fullness to the hemline, usually made from net or tulle.  A petticoat can either be attached inside the skirt or can be a separate hoop worn underneath the gown.

Heat set fold in fabric where the fold is formed by doubling the fabric back upon itself. There is an array of pleating types including Accordion, Box, Fluted, Fortuny, Knife, Organ, and Rolled pleats.

The KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture 'Evie' gown features box pleats.

A man-made fibre which is used in KAREN WILLIS HOLMES gowns.  While it is perceived that Polyester is an inferior fabric it have many positive attributes including improved wrinkle resistance and durability.  Polyester can also be blended with natural fibres.

A natural fibre similar the Shantung which is thicker and has a slight sheen finish.

Powerloom Silk is used on a number of KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns including 'Renee', 'Evie' & 'Rebecca'.

Ask as many as you wish  - in our boutiques, on the phone and online - we are here to help!

You are sized to have to gown closer to your size and to see if there are any pattern alterations needed.

A short veil made up of one or more layers of tulle - the length of the veil brushes the brides shoulders and is perfect for a 50's inspired vintage look.

Think Princess Diana!

Ruching is a french term which means to gather or ruffle.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns featuring ruching include 'Renee', 'Madelyn' and 'Brooke'.

A strip of fabric tightly gathered or pleated on one edge which is then applied to a gown - most commonly at the neckline or as a sleeve.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns that feature a ruffle include 'Theresa' & 'Tracy'.

A smooth woven fabric which can be made from silk, rayon or polyester which has a glossy appearance on the right side and a dull back.

A seam is the join when two pieces of fabric are sewn together.

Sequin Georgette is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Keisha' & 'Paige'.

Disc shaped beads in a variety of sizes used for decorative purposes. Also referred to as a paillette.

Similar to Raw Silk this fabrics beauty lies with its natural appearance featuring slubbed yarns.

Silk is a natural fibre which can be woven into textiles and fabrics.

Chantilly Lace is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Evie', 'Julia' & 'Lyndel'.

A sheer lightweight fabric made from silk with a crepe - like finish.

Silk Georgette is used on a number of gowns in the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture Collection including 'Ashley', 'Lauren' & 'Heather'.

This is the name of a colour option we have which is a brighter white. It does not have to be made from a silk fabric.

Natural fibres are not as bright a white - instead they are more of an off white.

The part of a garment which covers the arm.  The sleeve can be a variety of shapes and different lengths.

Most commonly we use a capped sleeve style of sleeve.

A neckline which does not have any straps.  The bodice of the gown is usually corseted to hold it in place.

High quality crystal glass beads used for bead work and as the finishing touch on our ribbon belts - a KAREN WILLIS HOLMES touch!  

This specialty cut crystal is coated with a special metallic chemical to let the light refract in a rainbow spectrum.

This is the shortest style of train - and is usually only a couple of centimetres longer than the hem at the front of the gown. This length will brush the floor and does not require a bustle.

A neckline (usually strapless) which follows the shape of the bust - like the top half of a heart. This style of neckline is very flattering as it highlights your decolletage.

A gown where the hem length finishes several inches above the ankle just like our gorgeous Demi Couture 'Doris' gown.

The back of a skirts hem which sits on the floor. There are many different length options available for a brides train.

This is a dress silhouette that is form-fitting (hugging) over the bust, waist and hips and then flares out at the top of the thigh. The silhouette is fuller at the bottom then you have with an A-line.

A net link material used predominantly for veils and in ball gown style skirts.

Tulle is used on a number of gowns in the Demi Couture Collection including 'Madelyn', 'Maddie', 'Matilda' & 'Jillian'.

A vintage look currently having a revival made out of netting is worn across the face.  This style of veil can be finished off with a decorative piece such a as a diamante clip or flower where the veil is attached to the head.

A veil with two or more tiers with the top tier being worn over the brides face finishing at the collarbone or bust. The blusher can be lifted before the ceremony or prior to the newlyweds first kiss.

An Elbow veil is one that is two feet long and reaches to the bride's elbows.

A neckline which comes from the shoulders to a point at the Centre Front of a gown.

KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns featuring this neckline include 'Faith', 'Lyndel' & 'Clementine'.

A veil is a piece of fabric which is intended to cover some part of the head and or face.

There are a variety of different styles, designs and lengths of veils.

A versatile veil length that can be worn with a variety of wedding gowns in either a one or two tier option.  The veils length falls right at the fingertip of the bride when her hands are at her side.

A term commonly used for second hand clothing however 'vintage' clothing is the description for clothing from the 1920's to the 1960's.  Clothing prior to the 1920's is described as 'antique'.

The waist is defined as the smallest point of your torso.

All of the KAREN WILLIS HOLMES Demi Couture gowns fit to the waist as this is an anchor point.  'Madelyn', 'Paige' & 'Maddie' are all classified as waisted gown.

A ceremony or event in which two people are united in marriage. This event varies between different cultures and religions with an array of different beliefs and customs associated.  In many instances the ceremony involves exchanging both vows and symbolic item such as a ring.