Prisca Noel Waiganjo skillfully crafted a simple, elegant dress and a stylish three-piece suit with pockets for Enya, blending beauty and practicality seamlessly. What's your wish?
A request by Enya from Karlsruhe, Germany
The idea is a dress. The “inspiration” comes from a pattern, but I am completely open to further development. The dress should be able to be tied at the back and also have pockets. Otherwise it is only in one color and very simple
Another idea is a 3-piece suit consisting of trousers, vest and jacket. The trousers should be a little tighter around the hips, as should the vest, which should be buttoned up. Both have pockets (the trousers perhaps cargo pockets). The jacket consists of two types of fabric (see second picture)
The Journey of Creating Custom Dress & 3-Piece Suit with Pockets
Negotiation & Planning
Artisan's Proposals
Dear Enya,
My name is Noel and I’m interested in fulfilling your request. But first, I’ll need more details.
1. Would you like the design of the dress exactly as shown in the photo?
2. You’ve said you’d like the dress tied at the back. Would you like it tied as a corset, zip or simple straps?
3. I can see a green suit as shared in the photo. The suit looks like an office suit but you’ve said you’d like yours with cargo pockets. Do you mind sharing a photo that shows exactly what you want?
Alternatively, you can share a simple sketch to help me understand better.
Once I get a clear visual, we can proceed with measurements and I can share photos of fabrics that are available in colours of your choice.
Looking forward to this exciting project 😊.
Regards
Noel
Hello Noel, glad to make your acquaintance.
1. i like the cut of the dress, but the fabric is loose at the bust. I don't like that so much. It can also be tighter in the bust area so that nothing happens when I bend over.
2 I would like to tie it like a corset so that it fits better around the waist.
3. yes, I would like it to be a bit more casual so that I could also wear it in everyday life.
I've added a picture to the others, that's more or less what I had in mind. If the pockets are bigger, that's good too. (Automatic translation)
Enya,
1. If we’re making a corset dress, this will help tighten the loose bust situation as you can tighten the dress to your liking. Alternatively, we can make the dress in a way that the cleavage is a bit higher just for your comfort.
2. Would you like me to add bra cups and boning to the dress?
3. It seems like the photos you uploaded didn’t load as I can only see two photos. Do you mind uploading them again?
1. ah, perfect. Then I think the corset will be enough.
2. the bra cups very much. Where would the bones be positioned, so how can I imagine that?
3. oh, funny. Of course I'll be happy to upload it again. Please let me know if it worked.
I have also uploaded the correct picture of the suit. This is the suit I fell in love with. Could you please make the vest and blazer as in the picture? The pants would stay as discussed so far for now 😍 (Automatic translation)
Hello Enya,
1. Please allow me to only add the bra cups. Let’s leave out the boning. You’ ll be more comfortable without it. I’ve uploaded an image that shows how boning in a dress looks like. It goes on the waist area.
2. I’ve seen photos of the suit. It’s doable. In the photo, the lapels are of a different fabric which is a bit shinier. Would you like the same?
3. Which colours would you like for both the dress and suit?
4. Do you have any fabric preference?
5. I’d like the following measurements from you:
Suit
Coat
Shoulder
Burst
Waist
Bodice (shoulder to upper waist)
Coat length
Sleeve length
Bicep width
Cuff width
Pants
Waist(high waist or where you wear your pants, preferably the most synched part of your waist)
Hips
Crotch
Waist to knee
Knee width
Waist to full length
Bottom width
I’ve noticed the pants are wide legged. Please confirm if you’d like the same
Looking forward to your feedback
Hi Noel, sorry I'm just getting back to you now, I've been busy.
1. then we'll just do the baskets. Unfortunately I can't see the picture.
2. two, yes. Preferably the same as in the picture. The vest also looks firmer, I really like that.
3. the suit should be the same color as in the picture in the best case and the dress the same for simplicity. I find that difficult to imagine.
5. because of the measurements I'm not sure how to do it, do you have any tips for me?
6. i'm not sure when the price estimate will come. Do you already have a price or is that still to come?
I am already full of anticipation (Automatic translation)
Enya,
Thank you for the feedback.
1. I’ve uploaded the photo again.
2. Your color preference has been noted. I’ll share photos of the fabrics this coming week.
5. If you have a tape measure with you, use this link to learn how to take your own measurements. This is a video I made to help my clients learn how to take their own measurements from home. Learn more: https://youtu.be/VknRpri90Lk?si=vyi9q9dcGDuPoVXi
I hope the video helps
6. I’ve shared the price estimate with you
Enya,
Thank you for the feedback.
1. I’ve uploaded the photo again.
2. Your color preference has been noted. I’ll share photos of the fabrics this coming week.
5. If you have a tape measure with you, use this link to learn how to take your own measurements. This is a video I made to help my clients learn how to take their own measurements from home.
Learn more: https://youtu.be/VknRpri90Lk?si=vyi9q9dcGDuPoVXi
Alternatively, you can have your measurements taken by a tailor.
I hope the video helps
6. I’ve shared the price estimate with you
Dear Noel,
Thank you for the video. It was very helpful, I wrote a little explanation for things I was unsure about and I measured almost everything from the video (so a little more than what you listed).
1. the photo I could see now, I think the variant with chopsticks is very good and I gladly agree with it.
2. great, I'm very excited about that.
5. here is the list with the different measurements:
Jacket.
Shoulders: 45cm
Chest: 97cm (upper chest: 93cm)
Waist: 84cm
Top: 48cm
Coat length: 52cm (from shoulder to hip)
Sleeve length: 52cm
Bicep width: 33cm
Cuff width (wrist circumference): 17cm
Pants.
Waist: 92cm (from the point where my pants always sit (relatively just below the waist))
Hip: 114cm (widest point)
Crotch: 66cm (from crotch to ankle)
Waist to knee: 60cm
Knee width (knee circumference): 43cm
Waist to full length: 96cm (to ankle)
bottom width: 83cm
Other measurements:
Niple to Niple: 23cm
Shoulder to upper chest: 23cm
Shoulder to chest: 31cm
If anything is missing or not measured correctly, please let me know.
6. the quote is great. Now I know roughly how much money I need to save.
Do I have to pay as soon as it's finished or before? How long would the performance take, can you say, even if I'm a bit early? (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
1. From the photos I’ve sent, which design do you like most? Or should we maintain the initial design and just add the boning?
2.The measurements look okay. Maybe you can confirm if the shoulder measurement is correct. You should take it from bone to bone (shoulder bone)
3. Based on what I know about this platform. You need to pay the whole amount before I start the project. I’ll receive 25% of the total. The platform keeps the rest and pays me another 25% once I deliver the clothes to the Operations Manager and she confirms they’re as we had discussed. I’ll receive the rest of the money once you receive the clothes and confirm satisfaction
4. The duration depends on how fast we both respond to each other. I can finish the clothes within a week or two.
When would you like me to start working on them?
Dear Noel,
1. i like the third one ( IMG_1165) the best. Maybe we can do the cut above the breasts like the original picture.
Do you have a drawn picture at the end that shows our arrangements or are you just doing it based on the arrangements? (Sorry for all the questions, I'm doing this for the first time).
2) Yes, that's right, we took several measurements and followed your video.
3 Ah, okay, I see. Thank you for the explanation.
4. that's quick, I'm pleased
Due to the costs, I would have suggested the end of November, then I have a little more time to put money aside. (Automatic translation)
Crafting Process
Artisan’s Progress Updates
Dear Enya,
Thank you for confirming.
I'm now working on creating a sketch for your dress and share photos of the fabrics available.
Dear Noel,
I'm really looking forward to it.
Super I am very excited about it.
I wanted to write again because I'm not sure if I said that I also wanted pockets in the dress and the suit exactly as in the picture (with the addition of the pockets on the pants) and the vest looks a bit more stable in the picture. Can you do it the same way?
Kind regards (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Apologies for the late response.
My aim was to respond to you with all the information.
Let’s start with the suit.
I’ve attached two photos of the green fabrics available.
One is satin like for the collar and the lapel. The other one is called ribbon. For the body of the suit and pants.
Please let me know if this work.
I’ll keep you updated once I find a suitable fabric for the dress
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
That's not a problem, I'm sure you have a lot to do.
I really like the fabric for the satin.
The ribbon fabric looks more greenish than on the original. Do you have a fabric that is a little more bluish than the original?
If not, this one is close enough 👍.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
I’ve tried looking for an alternative colour. I’ve attached a photo. It’s called matron green
Please let me know if it works.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
This fabric is just perfect and I like it incredibly well. It's really super😍
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Perfect 👌🏾
Now we can start working on the suit.
Please allow me to send the sketch tomorrow. Since it’s Saturday, I’ll have ample time to do it.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
I am very happy about that.
Of course, I am very excited about the sketch
Thank you very much for your work
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Apologies for the long wait. I know I had promised to send sketches but I broke for the holidays a bit earlier because I was unwell.
I hope you enjoyed your holidays.
I've attached a simple sketch of how the dress would look like if we follow the inspiration from the two dresses we had picked. I've also attached an image showing what the upper part would look like. Please note that there's a stitch line right below the burst. From the burst, towards the waist is where we'll add the boning to make the dress a corset.
We can make the dress as I've described or maintain the original design. It's up to you.
2. You mentioned that you'd like visible boning stitches. Please confirm this.
3. If we go with the sketched design. Would you like the drop waist as well or should we maintain a flat waist?
Regards
Dear Noel,
That's no problem, the main thing is that you're feeling better again.
Yes, thank you for asking.
What is meant by breakout and is the seam line the place where it transitions from the corset to the lower part of the dress?
I like what you have sent me and we can do it like this.
I know it's just a sketch, but as it's not often done, I'd like to draw attention to the pockets in the dress. I'm really looking forward to the dress with pockets.
2 Yes, that's right.
3. unfortunately I can't work with the terms properly, but I would prefer a cut that emphasizes the waist.
Kind regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Thank you for being understanding.
The first seam line is right below the bust and transitions to the waist area, where we'll have the corset lines. Then, another seam line transitions to the lower part of the dress. I've circled this in the sketch.
I've uploaded a photo of a yellow dress showing how the waist area will look like. The waist area is v-shaped, that's why it's called a drop-down waist.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
With all my heart.
Ah, then I have understood correctly. I think as long as the suture line is not too thick and does not press into the skin, it is not a problem.
I really like that and we can do it that way.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya
Thank you for the feedback.
I’ve uploaded a video and photo of the fabric I plan to use. It’s a bit heavier than what’s on the inspo photo but guarantees good results.
Please let me know if it’s ideal.
Btw: I started production on the coat. I’ll be sharing images soon.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
Unfortunately I can't watch the video. I like the fact that it is heavier, do you perhaps have a similar fabric that is a little more greenish?
I'm very excited about that and I'm really looking forward to the first pictures.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
I’ll have to check at the fabric market. Do you have a specific shade of green in mind?
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
I have uploaded two shades for you. One is a little lighter the other a little darker. I leave it up to you which direction you go with these shades, I really like mine. I would only be very happy if the fabric is as heavy as the one you have chosen.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
I have some updates on the coat and half coat which is now ready.
I’ve shared a video and photo.
I’ll now proceed to add buttons to the coat. Are you comfortable with black or green buttons on the half coat?
For the pants, I’m a bit concerned with the measurements. Especially the waist area. Is this where you wear your high waist pants? The length too. The standard length is usually 43 inches.
I’ve also shared photos of the fabric that’s available. Please note that it’s almost impossible to take a photo of the exact shade of the fabric as the lighting changes the colour. However, the green is the shade you had shared.
Looking forward to your feedback.
Regards
Dear Noel,
That looks really mega good.
I really like the black buttons on the vest.
Yes, that's the approximate range, each pair of pants is at a slightly different height for me.
The measurements are actually correct, I have short legs, wide hips and a slightly narrower waist. That's why I have slightly inconsistent measurements.
I really like the fabric and the color, so I'm very happy to take them.
I'm looking forward to the progress.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya.
Thank you for the feedback. I’ll now proceed to make the dress and pants.
Regards
Dear Noel,
You're very welcome and thank you.
I am very excited about this. Thank you very much for your work and efforts.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya.
I’ve added buttons to the coats. I decided to use green ones on the half coat because they were of better quality. Let me know if this still works.
Regards
Dear Noel,
That works so very well and looks really chic.
I'm really looking forward to it.
Best regards (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya
The pants are now ready.
I’ll now proceed to make the dress.
Regards
Dear Noel,
That looks really fantastic.
I'd love to, I'm very excited about that too.
Best regards (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
I’ll be providing an update tomorrow
Regards
Dear Noel,
I am very happy about this and am already very excited.
Best regards and have a nice Sunday (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Apologies for the delay.
I made the dress but didn’t quite like the burst area. I’m working on redoing the upper part.
I’ve attached the photo. Let me know if you like the waist area and lower part.
Regards,
Noel
Dear Noel,
All good, I can imagine that you have a lot to do.
You're right, I think the excerpt is a bit heavy. Thank you for revising it again.
I like the lower part, I just have two questions. Are the stays already in the corset?
And is it still possible to bring it a little closer to the yellow dress (ending 367114.jpg) so that the corset overlaps the lower part? I hope I was able to explain it reasonably well.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Mind explaining more?
Sorry I don’t fully understand.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
All good, I probably didn't explain it that well. If you look at the yellow dress ( ending 367114.jpg), the dress examples you sent me. You have circled exactly the area I mean.
In the picture it looks like the corset is over the lower skirt and I like that. That's why I asked if we could do it that way?
I have an additional question because I didn't see it properly in the photo. I wanted to ask if the dress already has the integrated "trouser pockets" that I want?
I hope it's a bit clearer now
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
The corset dress is attached to the dress and not on top to my understanding. If you'd like it to go over the dress it means that we'd have to make it as a two piece. At this point, it's already attached to the dress and we'd have to make it afresh.
Yes, the dress has pockets.
I'll have to look for a model that's your size for you to see how the dress looks. The mannequin doll does not show how it looks as the doll is smaller. I've uploaded updated photos.
Regards,
Noel
Dear Noel,
In the picture you can see better how it looks. I like it very much like this.
I'm glad that it has pockets😍
Oh dear, I'm sorry about that. I hope the inconvenience isn't too great.
I really like what I see.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
When I sent the yellow dress I was demonstrating how boning looks like in a dress. If you look closely at yellow dress it’s a single piece and not two piece.
Going by what you’re saying, we’ll have to make a new dress. This means buying fabric and starting afresh.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
As I wrote before, I have seen the dress differently and it is really good as it is. Please don't make a new dress. I like this one very much.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Aaaah great!
Thank you for the clarification!
I guess now I can hand it over to the Urban Change Lab team. They’ll do a quality check, create nice photos of the final looks and ship them to you.
Is that okay?
I’m glad you like it!
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
Of course that's fine. I'm really looking forward to it.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Hello Enya,
I hope you're doing well. This is Vicky, the local operations manager. I just received your order from Noel, and I must say, the items look lovely—especially the dress! Noel used high-quality materials, which is great to see.
I’ve cross-checked the measurements of all three items and taken photos to show the details. Everything looks good, as Noel included allowances to ensure a comfortable fit. However, I have a point of concern regarding the waist measurements of the dress.
You provided a waist measurement of 92 cm, noting that this was just below your actual waist. For the pants, this should work well since they have an elastic band at the back. However, for the dress, the waist area measures 72-80 cm due to the rope adjustment at the back. If tied at the loosest point, it reaches 80 cm. Could you confirm if this will fit you comfortably at your waist? If not, please share your actual waist measurement so we can discuss possible adjustments with Noel.
Additionally, the rope at the back of the dress seems a bit short. Let us know if you'd prefer it longer, and we can request Noel to make a replacement.
Also, just a quick note—due to lighting, the photos may make the colors appear slightly lighter than they actually are, so don’t be alarmed by that. Please review the photos and measurements below, and let us know your thoughts.
Measurements:
Pants:
Waist: 71.5 cm
Hips: 125 cm
Crotch to bottom: 65.5 cm
Knee width: 55 cm
Full length: 97.5 cm
Bottom width: 59.5 cm
Jacket:
Shoulder: 37 cm
Chest: 102 cm
Waist: 93 cm
Full length: 63 cm
Sleeve length: 55.5 cm
Bicep width: 36 cm
Cuff width: 25.5 cm
Half Coat:
Shoulder: 36 cm
Chest: 101 cm
Waist: 91 cm
Length: 56 cm
Dress:
Bust: 89 cm
Waist: 72.5 cm
Length (shoulder to hem): 144.5 cm
Looking forward to your feedback!
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng
Hello Vicky,
That looks really great.
The measurements actually fit. I agree with you about the ribbon, it's actually a bit short. If Noel has to redo the strap, she can make it a little thinner at the same time. Is that possible?
Kind regards
Enya Lange (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Thank you for the feedback.
Unfortunately, can’t make the straps any thinner because the fabric is too heavy.
As for the length of the straps. I’ll add adjusters similar to those used on bras to enable you to adjust the straps to whichever length you like.
Dear Noel,
Thank you, if the straps don't go thinner then that's the way it is. That's okay.
I think your idea with the adjustable straps is great and we can implement it.
However, I originally wrote to Vicky about making the straps longer, i.e. the part that tightens the corset. Did I get that wrong?
Would it perhaps still be possible to make them longer? I don't mind if there are additional seams that look different.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
Yes it’s possible. Sorry I forgot to write about it. I’ve made a longer strap for the corset.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
Great, that makes me happy.
When you're ready, you can send me another picture.
I'm already very excited.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Dear Enya,
I’ve now uploaded photos of how the corset strap looks. The Urban Change Lab team will share more professional photos of the dress.
I hope you love your clothes 🤗.
It was great working on this project.
Regards
Noel
Dear Noel,
Thank you very much, that looks really great.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
Hello Enya,
This is Vicky again. I’ve received the dress after Noel’s adjustments, and I love how the corset strap looks now! You can now tie it however you like. The dress sleeve straps are also adjustable, which is great. Let me know what you think!
Best regards,
Vicky Achieng.
Hello Vicky,
I am totally happy with the result.
It looks really great.
I'm really looking forward to holding the garments in my hands.
Best regards
Enya (Automatic translation)
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON014993E-70746
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
135.41
|
| Cost of labour |
75.23
|
| Cost of packaging |
11.28
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
3.76
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
225.68
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
22.57
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
22.57
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
30
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
51.46
|
| Total |
357.98
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
