Most woman know what the "perfect" wedding gown looks like. Few woman know where or how to get it. Eleven years ago Rose DeSimone set out to help brides not find not just the "almost right" dress, but the absolutely right dress. With a background in heirloom sewing (taught old-world style by her Italian grandmother) and a passion for design, Rose DeSimone opened Cinderella's Closet in Carlsbad in 1995, originally creating only bridal gowns. The business has since evolved into a pageant-oriented company, but DeSimone still fashions bridal gowns as unique as the woman who wear them.

DeSimone explains that her original venture was born out of necessity: "Woman have in our minds what we want in a wedding gown from about age thirteen, but we can't find it in the stores, or at least in a size that fits a human." Many of us don't fit the supermodel mold, but we still want to look and feel like the princesses in a fairy tale on that big day. And to do that, DeSimone picks the brain of the bride, "extracting her dream dress" through questions, pictures, drawings, etc.

Although DeSimone has a staff of sewers, she's the one who works with the betrothed from start to finish. So, can only royalty afford their princess's gown? Not remotely. There's no charge for an initial consultation (by appointment only). DeSimone's prices are competitive and she works within a bride's budget. She looks at bodies, shapes, and uses computer fitting "to get it right the first time." And although DeSimone has done gowns in the $10,000/$20,000 range (made of Italian silks, laces, and real pearls), she has the resources and materials to offer stunning alternative suggestions on fabrics and garnishes at more down-to-earth prices. Generally, the dresses start at around $1000. If a bride already has a dress, say from mom or grandma, DeSimone can "re-fashion" it so that it retains the sentimentality, but regains the unique personality of the new wearer.

Regardless if the dress is a new design or re-fashioned, DeSimone understands, "It's important that the dress be exceptional, this is the bride's dream - her special day; this is an honor and I respect that."

-reprinted from North San Diego County Magazine

The beauty of ordering a custom made gown is you get The Perfect Gown for you and you don't have to pay for alteration charges! It is custom fit to your unique body!

We try to make purchasing a custom gown as easy (or easier!) than purchasing an off-the-rack gown from a bridal retail store. Here is typically how our process works:

Call or email our office to schedule your appointment with our designer. (Schedule as soon as possible as we do book up quickly!) No charge for initial consultation.

1st meeting: Meet with our designer to discuss budget and create your wedding gown design. Bring clippings, sketches (stick figure drawings are ok:). Pay design deposit-a $300. design deposit is required once you decide that we are going to create your gown. (Deposit will be credited to your order-we do accept all major credit cards for your convenience.)

• Designer then gets to work sketching your design and purchases just the right sample fabrics and trims, etc, and determines the final price of your gown based on your budget. She then gives you a call to schedule your next meeting- You get to see your Dream Dress design and fabrics!

2nd meeting: Meet with the designer to see your final sketch...Your Dream Wedding Gown! Upon final approval of your gown you will be given a Design Packet which includes a beautiful sketch of your Wedding Gown, fabric swatches, trim and beading samples (if applicable), and a receipt for your gown. All gowns include a custom made veil as our gift to you. You will pay the balance of your gown at this time (We do accept all major credit cards for your convenience.). Designer will take your complete measurements at this meeting, too. We respect your time and know that you have many things to do and plan at this time, so we try to complete as much as possible in as few meetings as possible.

• Designer then orders all materials to make your gown. She creates your unique, custom fit pattern and calls you to schedule your first fitting appointment.

3rd meeting: Meet with designer to try on your fitting garment. She will adjust the pattern to suit your unique body. Neckline, back, hem length are all adjusted to your personal likings. Bring your shoes, bra and any undergarments you will be wearing under your gown.

• Your gown will now go into final production. Designer will call you to schedule your final fitting and/or delivery of your completed gown.

4th meeting: Meet with designer to see your Beautiful finished gown and make any final adjustments, if necessary. Usually, your gown will be available to take home with you that day if no adjustments are necessary. Otherwise, your dress will be done within a few days.

That's It! Your beautiful gown is complete and you're ready for Your Big Day!

Call 760-730-0300 to schedule your appointment or click on Customer Service to contact us by email.

We look forward to creating the design of your dreams...