Made to Measure
Every Bilal Barrage piece is cut to one woman's measurements. Nothing in the couture collection is produced in advance, in standard sizes, or in multiples. The process below is the same whether you are in Beirut, Kuwait, Doha or Dubai.
How it works
One — The consultation
It begins with a conversation, by WhatsApp, by video call or in the atelier. We speak about the occasion, the silhouette you have in mind, the colours you wear well and the ones you do not, and the date you need the piece in your hands. There is no obligation at this stage and no cost.
If you have seen a piece on this site you would like adapted, or an idea of your own, bring it. Most commissions begin as something between the two.
Two — The design
You receive sketches, fabric recommendations and a clear quotation before anything is cut. Colour, neckline, sleeve length, train, embellishment and degree of coverage are all open. A gown shown here in ivory can be made in emerald; a strapless bodice can be given sleeves; a high slit can be closed.
Nothing goes into production until the design is exactly what you imagined and the quotation is agreed in writing.
Three — The measurements
If you are able to visit the atelier, we take your measurements ourselves. If you are not, we send a short guided measurement sheet and talk you through it over video — it takes about twenty minutes and needs one other person to help. We have dressed clients across the Gulf, Europe and the United States this way.
Four — The making
Construction takes approximately ten days for most pieces. Heavily embroidered or beaded gowns, and bridal, take longer; we tell you the honest timeline at the quotation stage rather than promising a date we cannot hold.
Everything is cut, draped, embroidered and finished by hand in our atelier.
Five — Fittings
Clients in the atelier come for two or three fittings. Clients abroad are fitted remotely: we send the piece with generous seam allowances, review photographs and video together, and guide a local alteration if the final adjustment is minor. For bridal and for the most structured gowns, we recommend travelling for a final fitting where possible.
Six — Delivery
The finished piece is dispatched worldwide, insured and tracked. See Delivery for timing by country.
What it costs
Couture is priced from $2,000. The final figure depends on fabric, the amount of hand embroidery and beadwork, construction complexity and timeline. You receive a fixed quotation before production begins; it does not change afterwards.
Ready-to-wear is priced individually and shown on each product page.
How long you should allow
For a wedding, engagement or gala, we ask for six to eight weeks where possible — comfortable for design, making, fittings and delivery. Shorter timelines are often possible and we will tell you honestly whether yours is.
Begin
Request a private consultation through the appointment page, or message the atelier directly on WhatsApp. The atelier answers personally.