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Thread: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

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    Default Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    Hi ladies,

    I've used this forum for a lot of great advice on the industry, but this is my first post! I'm in the process of designing some new dancing gowns tailored to the needs & wants of exotic dancers & would love input. I work in San Francisco and although I am not new to using gowns myself, I feel like the majority of the market is on the east coast in places like NY. I am coming up with sketches of my thoughts to share soon, but wanted to see what kind of initial response there was, i.e. are people even interested in them.

    My plan is to specialize in handmade, unique gowns rather than mass produced and sell small-scale on a storefront like etsy. I favor more upscale, glamorous (and sometimes old Hollywood or pinup gone stripper) designs, but am curious to the styles or style nuances (like color or shape) that you would like to see. Obviously one of the most important aspects of a beautiful gown besides fit is how easy it is to take off & perform in. That aside, what would you pay extra for in a dress? Custom fittings, or designs? If you could have a gown custom made for you, what would you want it to have??

    What do you think of rhinestone-crusted dresses (partially or dotted throughout), provided they're well made and not extremely heavy?? Would they be too obnoxious to dance in (snagging etc) or are they worth it? Sequins? What would you pay for a unique, well made gown? $200-$250? Less? I am also aware that the more high end or glamorous gowns may be in very little to no demand -- let me know what you think. Some of these questions are a bit open-ended, so thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. I am hoping to make a good product that can make everyone's lives easier. Hopefully I will have some sketches to share soon. Happy holidays to all...

    xx

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    God/dess tempest666's Avatar
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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    I'd pay for anything that doesn't make me vomit. All the shit I see is disgusting and bright, and if it doesn't make me puke because of the fugly colors (goose turd green for example) then it doesn't fit right. So regardless all my stuff has to be altered. I have short stubby legs (only 5'0) so even in my stilettos long gowns are a pain in the ass. THEN I have huge fake boobs. (That's my choice) Problem is I have to buy plus size gowns and then alter the waist.

    I like black, red, purple, pretty much any dark jewel color. Sequins and rhinestones are tolerable but I'd prefer to eliminate them or keep them to a minimum. (Just like female customers) >:[
    "Fake tits are like Kevlar. They don't guarantee your chances of survival but they sure as hell improve it."
    Tempest

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    I would pay $200 for a quality gown that has a nice padded push up bra on top! It's hard enough to find molded cups on gowns, much less anything actually enhances. I have some gowns with rhinestone embellishments and you have to be very careful to make sure they're packed in your work bag correctly so they don't snag on themselves, and I'm always nervous I'll ruin some guy's nice sweater when I wear them. A full rhinestone gown is a disaster waiting to happen IMO. As for other suggestions, gowns with varied textures tend to register as more expensive. Good luck!
    Last edited by lol1337a; 12-28-2013 at 08:41 PM.

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    i'd like a glittery gown that doesn't snag or feel rough on your skin. good UV receptive colors. and like was mentioned before, soft cops that enhance the boobs!! for the love of god. i CANNOT find any gowns, dresses, or tops that flatter a small bust. all of them make me look even flatter, and i have to sew in cups or gathers

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    Quote Originally Posted by simone87 View Post
    i'd like a glittery gown that doesn't snag or feel rough on your skin. good UV receptive colors. and like was mentioned before, soft cops that enhance the boobs!! for the love of god. i CANNOT find any gowns, dresses, or tops that flatter a small bust. all of them make me look even flatter, and i have to sew in cups or gathers
    You can always come over to the Dark Side We're waiting for you with open bosoms.
    "Fake tits are like Kevlar. They don't guarantee your chances of survival but they sure as hell improve it."
    Tempest

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    Quote Originally Posted by tempest666 View Post
    You can always come over to the Dark Side We're waiting for you with open bosoms.
    that was one of my new years resolutions! gonna go in for a consult this month, already picked the doctor!

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    Quote Originally Posted by simone87 View Post
    that was one of my new years resolutions! gonna go in for a consult this month, already picked the doctor!
    Remember: always go bigger than you intended because when all is said and done you will def want more.
    "Fake tits are like Kevlar. They don't guarantee your chances of survival but they sure as hell improve it."
    Tempest

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    Yeah, those little prongs to hold in the rhinestones. I'm a fan of rhinestone stuff if I have to work in an upscale club, but the rhinestone settings tend to snag on stuff and there is one seller that I know who makes very good ones here:
    http://floodline.com/

    I haven't had issues with their thongs, but the one with the multi-strap thongs (http://floodline.com/index.php?main_...roducts_id=202) do tend to snag. I noticed it's generally the thinner rhinestone settings that tend to snag to clothes.

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    There are already woman selling gowns in that price range or a little less so there definitely is a market for what you're trying to do here in NYC. Rhinestones and sequins are par course here, too. It would be hard to find a gown without any bling on it.

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    In Florida the housemom always would tailor the gowns and not expect anything extra, it came with the price (90 short - 190 long). I think for the majority, stretchy is a MUST. If it doesn't stretch, I don't want it... the only exception would be a reputable vendor that will custom make the item properly. This might be a problem, though - because some ladies can't properly measure themselves; because of vanity or unclear instruction.

    The other most important thing for me would be make sure the items in stock can be made small. I'm super small and it's so hard to find things that fit. A long/short/regular torso option could help your consumers as well. I don't buy any pieces with unique tummy-area because they are all too long.

    Researching different cuts that flatter different breasts would be a really great option. (made for smaller breasts or cleavage enhancing cuts might up your sales) On the flipside, sometimes satin that isn't stretchy (though it is beautiful!) won't fit over fake tits

    Let us know if you open shop! I would love to have a gown vendor on Etsy. My home from travelling doesn't have a gown maker

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    Default Re: Gown Buyers, Seeking Your Input

    Quote Originally Posted by Maezy View Post
    Hi ladies,

    I've used this forum for a lot of great advice on the industry, but this is my first post! I'm in the process of designing some new dancing gowns tailored to the needs & wants of exotic dancers & would love input. I work in San Francisco and although I am not new to using gowns myself, I feel like the majority of the market is on the east coast in places like NY. I am coming up with sketches of my thoughts to share soon, but wanted to see what kind of initial response there was, i.e. are people even interested in them.

    My plan is to specialize in handmade, unique gowns rather than mass produced and sell small-scale on a storefront like etsy. I favor more upscale, glamorous (and sometimes old Hollywood or pinup gone stripper) designs, but am curious to the styles or style nuances (like color or shape) that you would like to see. Obviously one of the most important aspects of a beautiful gown besides fit is how easy it is to take off & perform in. That aside, what would you pay extra for in a dress? Custom fittings, or designs? If you could have a gown custom made for you, what would you want it to have??

    What do you think of rhinestone-crusted dresses (partially or dotted throughout), provided they're well made and not extremely heavy?? Would they be too obnoxious to dance in (snagging etc) or are they worth it? Sequins? What would you pay for a unique, well made gown? $200-$250? Less? I am also aware that the more high end or glamorous gowns may be in very little to no demand -- let me know what you think. Some of these questions are a bit open-ended, so thanks for taking the time to read and share your thoughts. I am hoping to make a good product that can make everyone's lives easier. Hopefully I will have some sketches to share soon. Happy holidays to all...

    xx
    I'm feeling generous since today is a holiday...

    1. The term is "rhinestone encrusted"... not rhinestone crusted. "Crusted"--- ewww.

    2. Handmade & Unique gowns take time... How efficient are you?

    3. Price... look into dropping your price to compete with readily available brands. I can easily buy a gown and customize it myself with a kandi kane and save roughly $100, based on your estimates. There are also numerous sellers on etsy that happily take custom orders for less.

    4. Differentiate yourself. Do what other dress makers aren't doing. Fill a niche. For example: convertible (long) skirt-sets aren't always available. Some clubs don't allow 2-piece outfits so strings that cross over the abdomen are required to qualify a 2-piece as a gown. Some strings are placed at a rather hinky angle. Maybe look into changing that and offer options to make the strings/ribbons/chains removable for the weekends when two pieces are permitted. Check this out: http://www.kamalacollection.com/Ambe...p/hyp-1059.htm And This: http://www.kamalacollection.com/Kama...p/hyp-4001.htm

    5. Don't imitate... Innovate. Textiles are always evolving. Look into the hottest, newest, most exciting materials for your gowns.

    6. Prints. Exciting prints layered with holographic/metallics are hot. It's better than the plain poly-lycra stuff that is so ubiquitous.

    7. Bra top dresses are few and far between. Some girls with natural boobs need a lift (if you know what I mean). If you can cover a bra top with dress material and make it look seamless, a lot of gals will appreciate it.

    8. Silhouettes... there aren't enough. Mermaid shaped dresses are ubiquitous but there need to be other options.

    9. Seams... Nothing pisses me off more than visible seams on light colored fabric. It's akin to "phoning it in", in my opinion. Choose fabrics that disguise seams well or place seams in less visible regions.

    10. Learn the guidelines for transparency/hem length/visible skin for specific states/counties. Know what is good and what is not allowed. Create gowns that show enough without being out of bounds.

    11. QUALITY. This is the most important thing. Custom gowns take time... you are going to be charging a premium for customization... if things start to fall apart, say good night. The gowns that I had custom made are going strong several years later. Hardcore, stunning, well made, comfortable dresses are few and far between. Make it your goal to deliver a gown that can keep going like that Energizer bunny.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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