I know I've made you wait a couple of days but I've been working up the courage to post the photos of me in two dresses.
We were the first to arrive and be greeted by the charming Gerald Schwanzer who joined DSI in 2001 as Sales Director although he mentioned a partnership on the day. A great start with the offer of champagne or orange juice but being a lightweight with alcohol I compromised with Buck's Fizz to wash down nibbles. I'll try not to include too many spoilers of info that I picked up for those waiting to go themselves but I will mention the things that I particularly noticed or things that hopefully will only make you more excited to go yourself.
There were only 6 of us, I believe the future tours will have 10 places but ours was smaller - I'm told some were reserved for a visiting magazine but perhaps the time was changed or they decided it wasn't the best format for them. Whatever the reason, it was wonderful to have such a small group.
Before we set off we were each given a dress to examine closely from the rack in front of us - all dresses from the current Strictly series! The ones we were given were all from the intro sequence (I think) which are probably the most detailed as they have longest to work on them. I was given Kate's red dress while others had Susannah's orange one, Vick's teeny tiny silver fringed two-piece, Stacey's turquoise dress, Katie's pink dress but I'll need to rewatch the intro to remind myself of the other. It was fascinating to see the dresses close up and be talked through them. There was a theme to the collection for the intro event but I'll leave that for the next lot to guess . The things I particularly noticed was the use of metallic chains, some as swags across the bodices but also mixed in with the bead fringing. I've just found a UK source but the thing I definitely want to apply to my own dresses is very narrow ribbon (stoned) used within the beading & fringing as in wear from a distance it has a look of longer droppers of bicorne beads. Their use of hologram sequins to reduce the weight of the garments (and cost of rhinestones) while maintaining the impression of encrusted bling is something I might try too. I'll be really interested to know what catches the attention of those of you who do the tour too.
Because it was Saturday there were only a few staff working. Fortunately Gerald was very happy for us to ask advice etc of the few staff who were working that day. There were Strictly shrines and heroes to see and meet such as Vicky Gill's desk (lots of paper but neatly stacked) and Ash was there busy stoning a costume as we arrived. He's a lovely smiley shy man and he featured in one of Gerald's frequent little anecdotes.
I was interested to see that they use latex glues (like GemTac) and the speed and accuracy of their application was impressive. Much of the setup was what what I expected but the facts and figures and information on the processes was very interesting.
There was practicewear, menswear, big professional ballroom gowns (I didn't spot many juvenile costumes), team costumes for dancers on cruises, pantomime dame dresses (some drag I'm assuming too) but also a good number of recognisable Strictly dresses for the eagle-eyed to spot. I asked several questions including some about hemming chiffon floats (predictable, eh?) and also about multigodets. Their stock rooms, both clothing and fabrics, were fabulous to see. It really brings home the depth of their range and there was lots of interesting talk about colours, lace (sigh), sourcing suppliers and especially about the minimum order quantities demanded by their suppliers as well as technical aspects and the China dynamic. One of our number worked in distribution so we stopped off for a logistics discussion and quick look at their packaging & posting room. After we'd walked around the entire building including Gerald's office and the photographic setup for promotion shots next door to it, we made our way back to the showroom where the drinks were still waiting and all the dresses on the rack on offer for us to try on.
It included Stacie's fabulous mod frock but none of us were small enough for that one.
Well, I'm a size 14 so I really wasn't sure what (if anything) I could possibly squeeze into...I thought I'd give Susannah's a go and while I got it on ok, the back zip was purely decorative certainly not functioning with me it in. Fortunately you can't see the gaping back in the photo. I had more luck with Kate's Samba dress although she must be at least a head taller than me and the skirt was obviously much tighter on me than her...it was fun though.
There was the usual small exhibition in the showroom and one of Oti's lace covered dresses than inspired my last ballroom dress although I went for a more similar colour to Alexandra's version.
No photography permitted in the workrooms I'm afraid (in case 'secret' dresses were captured in the background). What a strictly wonderful treat it was...ready to go again!
First time they've done the samba to
I'm a little teapot... as I recall.