Beaded Lace Hem Reconstruction – Martina Liana Wedding Dress Alterations
Preserving the original design is often the most complex part of bridal alterations, particularly when shortening a lace wedding dress with intricate beadwork.
Martina Liana Alterations – Beaded Lace Hem Reconstruction
This Martina Liana alterations project involved a full beaded lace hem reconstruction to shorten the gown while preserving its original design. Carried out in my Sutton, Surrey studio, the process required the careful removal and reapplication of intricate lace appliqué and beadwork.
For this Martina Liana gown, my bride, standing at 5ft2, required the hem to be shortened by approximately 18cm. With a fully beaded lace edge, a standard hem alteration would have compromised the integrity and placement of the original lace design.
To maintain the beauty of the gown, every element of the lace hem was carefully removed — including the intricate beadwork. Each lace piece was then meticulously re-embroidered by hand before being reapplied to the newly adjusted length.
Due to the extent of the shortening, a minimal portion of lace was removed to ensure the proportions remained visually balanced, while preserving the essence of the original hem.
In the picture below all three hem pieces are completely unpicked as the new length was about 18 cm shorter than original hem of dress.
Once the net layers were carefully adjusted, the lace was repositioned and reconstructed, allowing the hem to fall naturally back into place — as though it had always been designed that way.
Below, the hem is shown fully lifted and prepared for hand stitching. Due to the heavy embroidery, each section required precise, individual hand finishing to secure the lace seamlessly at its new length.
This level of work reflects the precision required in high-end bridal alterations, where preserving the original craftsmanship is just as important as achieving the perfect fit. I specialise in Martina Liana alterations, particularly on gowns with complex lace and heavy embellishment.
Brides travel from Wallington and Carshalton for alterations like this, and recently I’ve had a number of lace hem reconstruction requests, as brides can see the level of detail and care I put into ensuring their dresses look flawless on their wedding day.
Specialising in complex bridal alterations in Sutton, Surrey, I work with gowns from designers such as Martina Liana, serving clients across Wallington, Beddington, Carshalton, Morden, Croydon, Crystal Palace, Greater London and surrounding areas.
To explore more amazing Martina Lianna bridal dresses and see a Guildford Bride’s Lace dress Transformation .
Planning your own wedding dress alterations?
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 Cheam, Wimbledon, Wallington, Crystal Palace, Croydon & South London
Private bridal fittings by appointment
Alongside my bridal and couture work in Sutton, Surrey, I also offer private Silk Atelier Sessions — a more creative extension of my practice exploring design and painting on silk.