Cooper

How Cooper is cut

A fitted column skims the body from shoulder to hem in one line, with nothing structural doing the work for you. That makes it the most modern shape on the rails and the least fussy to wear, and it lives or dies on the quality of the alteration.

It suits brides who want clean and understated, and it carries a statement back or a dramatic veil beautifully because there is nothing else competing.

Cooper is listed under Sleeves as well, because sleeves change a gown more than any other detail. Depending on the design they run from a sheer lace illusion that reads as barely there, to a structured balloon or a long fitted point over the hand.

The neckline on this one is plunging illusion v. Necklines are the fastest way to tell whether a gown is yours, so it is worth trying two very different ones side by side before you decide.

Tulle is light, airy and built up in layers, so a full skirt can look enormous and still weigh very little. It moves constantly, which is what gives it life in photographs.

Trying Cooper on in Cleveleys

Our samples run from about a UK 8 to a UK 24, and we clip and pad at the back so you can see a gown as it will look made to your measurements. Ask us which size the Cooper sample is when you book and we will check the rail before you travel.

Appointments are private and the fitting suite is yours for the whole visit, so there is no queue for the mirror and nobody else's party in the room. Bring whoever you actually want an opinion from, and shoes at roughly the heel height you are planning. Find us at 112 Victoria Road West, Cleveleys.

Sottero & Midgley is Maggie Sottero's more romantic sister label. Expect softer detail, more lace and more illusion work, on the same well-judged internal construction. See the rest of the Sottero & Midgley gowns we carry.

Ordering and alterations

Cooper is made to order once you say yes, and the makers we work with generally take six to eight months. Add roughly two months for alterations on top, which is why most of our brides book their first appointment nine to twelve months before the wedding. If your date is sooner than that, say so early: rush orders exist, and our outlet rail carries sample gowns you can take away.

Almost every gown needs altering, and that is normal rather than a sign anything is wrong. A hem, a bustle for the evening and a nip through the bodice are the usual three. Alterations are arranged separately and priced once we can see what your gown needs, so nobody quotes you for work you may not need.