The Experience

The women lucky enough in life to have the experience of wearing a HAROLD CLARKE gown  know that the process of wearing the garment mildly scratches the surface of fashion.  The creation of the gown is a world of  it's own.   From Ready to wear to Couture our team of fashion professionals has the product knowledge, sales experience and services needed to act as true style consultants. Clarke's staff will work closely with clients to compile their own personal look, allowing them to make their best impression. Whether it's a wedding or other special occasion our staff will be able to supply them with the advisement and tools needed to achieve the appropriate look. Staying ahead of trends, paying attention to detail, compiling a look for a specific lifestyle or body type, our staff of fashion professionals provide our clients with true service and pure style. If you are ready to experience Couture Fashion for your Wedding, Début,  Mardi Gras Ball or any  Special Occasion we at Harold Clarke can handle any Fashion Request.   

Ready to wear
When a client comes to Harold Clarke whether it’s by appointment with a professional model or a walk in they first view the collection. A true Harold Clarke client is not turned away by the price-point because they recognize are aware of the high quality craftsmanship and components in a Harold Clarke creation. Once a selection is made, the client is then, if necessary, fitted by one of Clarke's master tailors or by Clarke himself. Then adjustments are made within a reasonable period of time.

Couture
The process changes with custom couture clients. For custom couture clients a consultation is always the first step. This is a client who is already familiar with Clarke's work and wants something designed especially for them, custom made for their specific body type, a re-creation or restoration. After the consultation, a price-point is determined. Additional sketches are made, fabric and trim are selected, measurements are taken and the appointment for the first fitting is made. At the first fitting the client will fit a shell garment made of a muslin material. All adjustments of the design are made using the shell. This becomes the actual pattern for garment construction. During the second fitting, the client actually fits a garment made of the selected fabrication. The design team then makes the necessary adjustments. Then trim is applied bringing the design together, on the client, working with her to insure her absolute satisfaction. Additional fittings may or may not be needed depending on the complexity of the design. The whole process could take 3 to 4 weeks or  up to 6 months to complete for more intricate designs.

Wholesale
Harold Clarke’s approach to wholesale sales incorporate the service and individualized attention usually reserved for our couture clients. Each boutique has individual needs and our wholesale representative will cater to those needs accordingly. In addition to specialized product line development our representative will provide product information and sales support services above and beyond industry standards and expectations. To protect our intellectual property the collections will be viewed outside of traditional markets, during seasonal showings, by invitation only or with individual buyers by appointment.  All of the collections will be made available to view and purchase on our website in 2005 via public and private marketplaces.