Martina Liana Bridal Alterations | Couture Contouring & Illusion Lace Reshaping
This Bridal Alterations Martina Liana 1187 project involved extensive contouring through the bust, illusion side panels and waist to create a far more sculpted silhouette while preserving the softness and delicacy of the original lace gown.
Although Lois had already attended her prefitting consultation before her own wedding dress transformation later on, Lieghann’s Martina Liana 1187 gown was actually the first sister wedding to take place. Working on both Martina Liana bridal gowns across the two weddings was particularly special, as each dress required completely different alteration techniques despite sharing the same designer heritage.
This fitted lace Martina Liana 1187 gown required extensive contouring through the bust, upper bodice and illusion side panels to create a much closer sculpted fit through the body while still preserving the softness and delicacy of the original lace design.
The dress was taken in approximately one size through the zip and body, while the straps were reshaped and the entire bust area refined to improve support, contour and balance throughout the neckline and upper torso.
To achieve the final fit correctly, the lace across the bust seam and side panel areas had to be carefully unpicked and reconstructed by hand before the gown could be properly reshaped through the upper body. A bustle was also added to allow the dramatic lace train to transition beautifully throughout the evening reception.
Bridal Alterations Martina Liana | Couture Bust Contouring & Beaded Strap Addition
One of the most important parts of this Martina Liana bridal alterations process was refining the entire upper bodice so the gown sat far closer and more securely through the bust and neckline.
The straps were reshaped alongside extensive contouring work through the bust area to create a more sculpted silhouette while still maintaining softness and comfort throughout wear. This type of couture bridal fitting work is often what transforms how a gown both feels and photographs on the wedding day.
The illusion side panels also required careful reconstruction during the resizing process. Because the lace extended across the bust seam area, the lacework first had to be carefully unpicked by hand before the gown could be properly taken in and reshaped through the upper body.
Lace Train Finishing & Wedding Bustle
The dramatic lace train was one of the defining features of this Martina Liana 1187 gown and great care was taken to preserve the balance and movement of the lace throughout the alteration process.
After the gown was contoured more closely through the body, the train still needed to fall naturally without twisting or collapsing through the hemline. A bustle was therefore added to allow the bride to comfortably transition the gown from ceremony to evening celebration while still maintaining the elegance and proportion of the original design.
Working on both sisters’ Martina Liana bridal gowns across two weddings was a lovely reminder of how personal the bridal alterations journey becomes. Although both gowns shared the same designer heritage, each dress required completely different couture techniques to achieve the final silhouette and fit.
For Lieghanne’s gown, the alterations involved taking the dress down from approximately a size 12 to a far closer size 8/10 fit while still preserving the integrity of the lace, illusion detailing and overall balance of the design.
Bride’s Kind Words
After the wedding, Lieghanne shared:
“Zen turned my size 12 wedding dress into a size 8/10 and altered it to fit me like a glove. I wore no bra on my wedding day despite being bigger busted, but because of the amazing alterations by Zen, I was well supported and comfortable for the whole day.”
“For the amount of detail on my dress, I have no idea how she managed to take it in so much without compromising the detail on the dress.”
At my private bridal alterations studio in Sutton, Surrey, I specialise in advanced bridal alterations including couture contouring, illusion lace reconstruction, structural reshaping and complex wedding dress fitting for brides travelling from across Greater London and Surrey.
You can also view her sister Lois’ Martina Liana 1752 bridal transformation within the Atelier Journal.
Expert Bridal Alterations in Sutton, Surrey
From my private bridal alterations studio in Sutton, Surrey, I specialise in advanced couture bridal alterations including structural bodice reshaping, contour fitting, lace reconstruction, modesty alterations and complex wedding dress transformations.
I regularly work with designer bridal gowns including Martina Liana, Stella York, WED2B, Made With Love, Allure Bridals and many other contemporary bridal designers for brides travelling from across London, Surrey and Greater London.
Whether a gown requires subtle refinement or extensive couture restructuring, the goal always remains the same — creating a wedding dress that feels as beautiful to wear as it looks in photographs.
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Planning your own Martina Liana Bridal Alterations?
For the best results, bridal alterations should ideally begin a few months before the wedding day, with a pre-fit consultation, allowing us to assess exactly what your dress requires, discuss possible transformations, provide a clearer guide on costing, and give you peace of mind well in advance of your wedding day.
Please bring your wedding shoes to your fitting appointments so the gown can be pinned accurately from the very first consultation.
✨Trusted by brides since 2003, with over 190 5* reviews on Google, you are welcome to Read my brides’ experiences including hand written notes preserved in their own words recorded since 2012→
If you have purchased your wedding dress from Made With Love Bridal, WED2B, or another bridal boutique and are looking for specialist bridal alterations in London or Surrey, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Explore more real bridal transformations in the Atelier Journal or get in touch to begin your fitting journey.
For bridal alterations or a bespoke design in SuttonSurrey, I would be delighted to hear from you.
Serving Bromley, Cheam, London, Wimbledon, Wallington, Crystal Palace, Croydon & South London
Private bridal fittings by appointment
