Don't be Fooled!

Hello All,

We are working away on new CUSTOM BY HEATHER designs!  They're coming soon - so keep a lookout for them in our Boutique.  http://www.heathershotcouture.com/category/Boutique/c61  I've included some concept sketches below so you can see our original ideas in their early stages.    These sketches and pictures document our process from beginning to end.  We individually hand-make each original piece of art, that's what couture means.  We do it without computerized drawings, dye cuts, or mass-produced applique shapes used over and over again.  Our clothes are painstakingly one-of-a-kind!  No big factories and no outsourcing of customs.  We make every CBH ourselves, and yes....... we even really sew.  Call us crazy!  The creative process matters because we are artists and you can see the originality in each piece.  If you want to see just what I mean, look at our Gallery for a wide variety of our work.  http://www.heathershotcouture.com/category/Custom-By-Heather-Gallery/c59 

Unlike many of our competitors out there who claim to do one-of-a-kind show apparel, we really do.  This is a pet peeve of mine because I think it's misleading and misrepresents their product.  I may take the word "original" a little more seriously than most others, as a designer, but I have to ......... it's my job!  There are many ways to design, produce and run a successful business. This we all agree on. For me there still is only one way to define an original.  By definition ONE means only ONE. BUYERS BEWARE:  If you pay attention to other websites, or even take a closer look at many other show clothes companies' ads, then you may notice that many of their so-called one-of-a-kinds look remarkably unoriginal.   Here's a perfect example of how ONE can and is loosely used all the time in the show clothes industry.

"Beautiful ONE-of-a-kind black, gold and red Pleasure Jacket in a women's size 4."  Sounds great right?  Well, ONE meaning in that size.  "We have another in a size 0, a 2, and oh wait.......also in a 6 and an 8.  Just one in each size, or just one in the black, gold, and red combination.  We also have it...... or can make it for you in black gold and pink if you are looking for something more youthful." This is not what I consider a ONE-of-a-kind jacket at all! You be the judge........It's your hard-earned dollar.  You should know what you're buying and what you're not!!  Don't be fooled by misleading advertising and loosely used terms that make claims they define by their own definition.  Just a little advice to smart shoppers, ask questions about so-called originals.  Be specific, find out if it's avabile in other colors, sizes, or if it will be re-made to your size............because if so, the chances are you won't be the only one wearing it!  I have been told many times by clients that they had ordered a custom, a one-of-a-kind outfit and then got to the World or Congress show to find out someone else was wearing the same thing!!!!  Even worse, in their same class!!!!  What a nightmare!

I  hope I'm not coming off as a snob but rather a truth teller.  I must also say there are many other very talented designers and businesses doing beautiful work out there who are very reputable, along with many who are not.  Customs or one-of-a-kinds do always cost more, as they should. The hefty pricetag ensures that the time spent creating your look is yours only and won't be seen elsewhere.  As a designer, I understand a custom look is not in everyone's budget, but I do think you should know just what you are buying, no matter the price.  If you are in the market or shopping around you will see what I mean.

For now we have some stunning ALWAYS one-of-a-kinds for sale in our Boutique that are sure to get the attention you want.  We know there are many last-minute ladies out there preparing to head out for some of the summer seasons' biggest and best shows, with AQYHA and the Reichert Celebration as well as the many Regional Experiences coming up soon.  If you are planning for falls' fabulous championship shows then I hope you make the choice to invest in a custom while there's still time.  If you're worried about meeting an unexpected twin at the show, then consider a Custom by Heather from our Boutique or having something specially designed just for you.  More good news:  we now offer lay-away and in these rough economic times, as always,  we're happy to work with our clients' budgets.

Good Luck, Happy Shopping and Happy Showing!
Heather