Gown Gallery

The Couture Process

All clients meet with Katie for a one on one consultation.  Being comfortable with the designer of your gown goes a long way towards relieving any potential stress, ensuring that you will always be able to look back on your experience with joy.

At your first consultation with Katie, she will take the time to get to know you and your vision; discuss the best fabric options for your selected style and work with you to achieve the most flattering silhouette to suit your body.  The first consultation will end with Katie sketching your gown.

Once you have decided on your gown, a pattern will be drafted from your measurements and a calico toile created.  Katie personally oversees all fittings. Most gowns will require a minimum of three fittings.

The first fitting is with the calico toile [pr: tw-ahl.  The toile is a basic calico pattern put together to give Katie a template from which to work]. There is not a lot to see at this fitting; the toile is used as the initial pattern to ensure the fit is perfectly sculpted to your body. Katie will then tweak the fit as required - this is the last opportunity for any major design changes.

Each fitting from this point onwards will detail the progression of your gown coming together in your chosen fabrics and with all the hand detailing.

Completed last are the buttons and hem.

The end result is a gown that complements and enhances your inner and outer beauty - an extension of your personality.

About Me

Katie Colgan is the Head Designer behind Loui Col Design.

Apprenticed at the age of 15 to the formidable Marie Perry-Watson of Silk and Satin Couture, Katie established herself early as an impressive young talent.  She went on to graduate from Commercial Design and at just 19 she was appointed Head Designer of The Bridal Gallery in Sydney.  Upon her return to Perth from Sydney in 2001, Katie launched Loui Col Design.  In 2004 she took her skills to Florence where she spent two years honing her design and construction skills.

Katie has been based exclusively in Perth since 2006 where Loui Col has long identified as one of the leading design houses specialising in bridal and evening couture.

 Testimonials

I honestly couldn't recommend Katie more - her incredible talent, attention-to-detail and professionalism sets her apart.
She has a wealth of knowledge and is more than happy to share any information she can. Additionally, her jovial nature took away any potential stress surrounding the experience. From the initial design process to the intimate fitting sessions, creating my dress with Katie was one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences of my wedding. We are so incredibly grateful that we chose her to be a part of our special day - it was an absolute pleasure. 

Amy xx