Frequently Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here, send a request through the contact form or message the atelier on WhatsApp. We answer personally.
Ordering
How do I order a couture piece?
It begins with a consultation — by WhatsApp, by video call or in the atelier. We discuss the occasion and the silhouette, then send sketches, fabric recommendations and a quotation. Nothing is cut until you approve the design. The full process is set out on the Made to Measure page.
How much does a gown cost?
Couture is priced from $2,000. The final figure depends on fabric, the amount of hand embroidery and beadwork, construction complexity and your timeline. You receive a fixed quotation before production begins, and it does not change afterwards. Ready-to-wear is priced individually and shown on each product page.
Why are couture prices shown as "from"?
Because no two commissions are identical. The price on each couture piece is its starting price in the fabric and finish shown; another fabric, more embroidery or a shorter timeline changes the work. Every couture price includes making to your measurements, about ten days of production for most pieces, and worldwide shipping arrangements, and is confirmed in a written quotation.
How long does a piece take to make?
Approximately ten days for most pieces. Heavily embroidered or beaded gowns, and bridal, take longer. We give you an honest timeline at the quotation stage rather than a date we cannot hold.
How much time should I allow before my event?
Six to eight weeks is comfortable for design, making, fittings and delivery. Shorter is often possible — tell us your date and we will tell you honestly whether we can meet it.
Do I pay everything upfront?
A deposit confirms a couture commission once the design is approved; the deposit is non-refundable after design approval. The balance and payment dates are set out in your quotation. See our Refund & Cancellation policy.
Measurements and fit
I am not in Lebanon. How do you take my measurements?
We send a guided measurement sheet and talk you through it over video. It takes about twenty minutes and you need one other person to help. We have dressed clients across the Gulf, Europe and the United States this way.
What if the fit is not right when it arrives?
Pieces for clients abroad are made with generous seam allowances precisely for this reason. We review photographs and video together, and guide a local alteration where the final adjustment is minor. For bridal and the most structured gowns we recommend travelling for a final fitting where possible.
How many fittings are there?
Clients in the atelier come for two or three. Clients abroad are fitted remotely, as above.
What sizes do you make?
Ready-to-wear is offered in sizes 34 to 48. Couture is cut to your own measurements, so there is no size range — there is only your size.
Customisation
Can I have a gown in a different colour?
Yes. Almost every piece can be made in another colour, and many were designed with that in mind. Tell us the shade or send a reference.
Can the design be changed — sleeves, neckline, length, coverage?
Yes. Sleeves can be added to a strapless bodice, a slit can be closed, a neckline raised, a train lengthened or removed. Clients who prefer more coverage are accommodated as a matter of course, and a significant part of our work is made this way.
Can you make a gown from a photograph or my own idea?
We work from your ideas and references. We do not copy another designer's work.
Delivery
Do you deliver to the Gulf?
Yes — Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, as well as Lebanon, Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States. Pieces ship from our atelier in Beirut. Full details on the Delivery page and in our Shipping Policy.
How long does shipping take?
Transit to the Gulf is typically three to five working days with an express courier, after dispatch. Ready-to-wear is dispatched within two to three working days of ordering.
Will I pay customs duties?
Customs duties and local taxes are paid by the client, unless agreed otherwise in writing. They are collected by the courier before delivery and vary by country and declared value. We declare every shipment accurately.
Occasions
Do you make wedding dresses?
Yes. Bridal is a significant part of the house's work, and bridal commissions follow the same made-to-measure process with a longer timeline.
Do you dress mothers of the bride, and wedding guests?
Yes — both, frequently. Tell us the event, the dress code and the degree of coverage you want.
Do you lend pieces for editorial or red carpet?
Yes. Press, stylists and editors should write to press@bilalbarrage.com or see the press page.
Returns and care
Can I return a couture piece?
Made-to-measure pieces are non-refundable once production has started. Ready-to-wear may be exchanged within 10 days under our Refund & Cancellation policy.
How do I care for the piece?
Specialist cleaning only. Embroidered, beaded and feathered pieces should never be machine washed or ordinarily dry cleaned. Care instructions are included with every piece.
Will my gown be made for anyone else?
Couture commissions are made once, for one client. If you want a piece that will not appear on anyone else, say so and we will confirm it in writing.