Multidisciplinary art studio? Creative wizard?
Meet Emily, the driving force behind Studio Astriferous.
Emily has been creating since she was able to pick up a chunky crayon and glue fabric together to make doll clothes. She went on to train in couture bridal, graduate the Fashion Institute of Technology's fashion design program, and work in the industry for a few years while refining her own skills.
These days, she has a reputation for bringing dreams to life, pulling from a unique mix of experiences and interests ranging from product design to printmaking, fantasy storytelling to historical sewing and more. Her gowns aren't just made, they're engineered using lost techniques and creative solutions for a perfect fit. Not only are these looks entirely custom, they almost always have a transformable aspect, like an overskirt or detachable sleeves built into the original design. Textures, colors, patterns, and embellishments come together in unexpected ways for one of a kind pieces of wearable art.
Our Creative Process
All fully custom projects begin the same way.
The Sketch
Meet with our designer in person to work out the specifics of your project. Discuss silhouette, color, and details, and look at fabric swatches to finalize decisions. This is where a timeline is put together, fittings are scheduled, and initial measurements are taken.
The Fittings
Most custom projects require 2-3 appointments to refine and perfect the fit and review details before a piece is finished, including embellishments and hems. Fit alterations made during these appointments are included in the price of your piece.
The Fine Print
A 6 month minimum lead time and a 60% nonrefundable deposit is required to begin production on all custom gowns. Additional alterations post pickup will be charged as a separate project. Extensive design changes may require a new contract.
See something you like, but want it your way? We offer semi- custom options as well.
The Original
Contact us with the style and size of the piece you'd like to customize, along with your vision. Standard options include: color, fabric, seam details, trims, pockets, size, and length.
The Changes
Work with our team to finalize your customizations. Approve your fabrics and trims, and review any other details. For requests including custom sizing, an in-person fitting may be requested.
The Fine Print
Higher levels of customization will require a minimum of a 4 week lead time for all projects. A 60% nonrefundable deposit is required to begin production. Custom projects are nonreturnable, so please be sure of your choices while ordering.
Our Philosophies
Individuality
All designs offered by Studio Astriferous are our own creations. We will not make a copy of something available from another brand.
Custom projects are not able to be re-made because the original order was for something unique to the original client's ideas.
Future clients may use previous custom work as an inspiration while working on their own designs. This includes bridal, wedding, special occasion, and costuming/garb projects.
Sustainability
We make every effort to source vintage textiles, industry deadstock, and secondhand materials in order to reduce the strain being put on the planet by fast fashion. This means that fabrics and trims used are incredibly limited in quantity and may not be suitable for all applications.
When it comes to materials that need to be purchased new, we take care to use the material as completely as possible through secondary product offerings like our patchwork accessories, scrunchies, and iron-on patches.
When we are unable to repurpose a material, we donate it to an amazing local volunteer who uses our scraps to make beds for rescued foster cats.
Going even further, we do our best to rescue perfectly good clothing from the waste stream through our wearable art offerings and printing workshops. Giving existing garments a new life keeps them from rotting in a landfill and polluting the planet, or cluttering the used clothing markets that ruin local economies in developing countries.
Community
We believe that a rising tide lifts all ships, and work to promote partnerships with other small businesses in our area. Any recommendations or referrals we give out clients are grounded in positive personal experiences. Find our network here.
Transparency
We source all our base garments for printed wearable art through secondhand channels. This means that supplies are limited and dependent on what we find, and not all sizes will be available at all times. This does not reflect a preference for a particular size or style.
Our pricing is structured to provide a fair living wage to studio employees. Studio Astriferous regularly donates labor, materials, and funds to a local 503(c) charity providing monthly collaborative storytelling workshops for folks of all ages and walks of life to explore creative expression in a safe environment.
Respect
Studio Astriferous is a safe space in all locations, whether it is our studio workshop or a vendor booth display. There is a zero tolerance policy for hateful, hurtful, or disrespectful language/ actions. We reserve the right to void contracts, retain all applicable nonrefundable deposits, and permanently remove individuals from the premises if they are abusive towards our staff or other clients.
We do not believe in allowing any space to exist where hate can take root and negatively impact communities deserving of respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Why should I choose custom?
Clothes are meant to fit your body, not the other way around. Alterations can double the price of a formal dress off the rack- to properly refit a garment, the seamstress practically has to take it apart. Beadwork and embellishments need to be removed and re-attached after the base has been altered. Choosing custom means your garment is built to your body from the start, with no need for alterations later. You also get to be part of the design process and make sure it's exactly what you want it to be.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
What are the Studio rules?
Food and drinks are not permitted in the workshop areas and must remain in the lounge.
Please don't touch anything without permission- there are many sharp and breakable objects in the workshop.
Crude, rude, insulting, or demeaning language is not permitted. Please speak kindly, including about yourself.
Try not to track dirt inside- please wipe your shoes before walking in.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Do I need to visit the studio for my appointments?
All appointments must be conducted at the Studio with a few exceptions. Initial consultations can be done virtually. Garments may be eligible for hand delivery to your address. All fittings must be done at the studio.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
What do I wear to an appointment?
This changes slightly based on the type of garment being designed. For anything meant to be worn over something else, like a jacket or surcoat, please bring or wear the appropriate base layers. For anything meant to be worn directly against the skin, like gowns and dresses, please wear clean and well fitting undergarments. Bring or wear the appropriate footwear for your garment to each appointment, as different heel heights do have an effect on posture.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
How many people can I bring with me?
The studio has space to comfortably accommodate three additional guests. Parking is limited so we do recommend traveling together whenever possible.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Does Studio Astriferous make bridal accessories?
Yes! We can make veils, handkerchiefs, and other items as part of your custom gown project. We can also refashion heirloom accessories into something even more special for your big day.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
What qualifies a project as a rush order?
All projects requested to be delivered sooner than the minimum working time are considered to be rush orders, and not all rush requests are able to be acommodated.
General minimum timeline guide:
Alterations- 1 week
Customized costuming pieces- 4 weeks
Fully custom costuming pieces- 3 months
Special occasion dresses- 4 months
Wedding gowns- 6 months
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
I saw something printed in the shop that I love, but it's not my style. How can I order something custom printed?
Email us at hello@studioastriferous.com with your reference piece and what you want printed, and we'll get back to you within 3 business days on next steps.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Should I wait for a sale to make my purchase?
Studio Astriferous does not do sales on costuming, garb, or special occasion wear. We do send promo codes via our newsletter a few times per year, so be sure to subscribe to catch those.
If you stop by our booth at a renfaire or other show and mention the phrase "creative wizard" you will get a surprise with your purchase.
We do try and keep our printed inventory moving so there are discounts twice yearly on printed clothing only.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
How do I care for my purchase?
Bridal and special occasion: dry clean only.
Costuming and garb: hand washing is highly recommended.
Printed pieces: turn inside out before washing, tap cold and tumble dry.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
What's your return policy?
Custom projects are ineligible for returns or exchanges. For all others, let us know within 30 days of purchase. The item must be in original condition and have all tags attached to be eligible for return or exchange.
Repair requests are handled on a case by case basis.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
How do you ship your items?
Generally we ship via USPS, with packages going out on Wednesdays and Fridays. You'll receive a tracking number in your email once we have it. For any questions about specific purchases just reach out and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
Something something say yes to the dress moment?
What's the best way to get in touch?
Email us at hello@studioastriferous.com, or through our inquiries page on this site!
