Izaro – a strong Spanish female name meaning “star” and also the name of an island near Brazil was selected by the couturiers Mel and Hong to represent their vision for their brand. “We liked the name instantly; it was in sync with the customer we designed for, strong, feminine, independent and original. Hong and I still find it funny when once in a while a new customer walks in introducing themselves and call us Izaro.”
With over 10 years experience working closely with the elements and principles of design, they encompass traditional methods whilst always experimenting with the uncommon and exploring their combined creative talent. The two designers evoke their inner muse with every rippling piece of silk or French lace.
Mel and Hong together with the entire Izaro team insist on working privately with each new bride-to-be, affording them the opportunity to peruse the entire collection, select the pieces that stand out most to them and without interruption are transformed as they slide into each hand crafted gown.
Every consultation at Izaro is a one on one experience between the couturier and the bride, ensuring that the utmost care and attention is delivered to the bride. The close collaboration between designer and client ensures excellence in customer service which is of imperative importance to Mel and Hong.
It is at this first consultation that the bride can view over 30 bespoke pieces from the Izaro collection, housed in their Hawthorn boutique. Every gown in the collection has its own character from show stopper “look at me” gowns to romantic soft ethereal pieces, to the sensual and sleek.
Expert advice is offered regarding silhouette, design line and color, always making sure the dress works perfectly within the theme of the wedding. Once the dream gown is selected, the talented team at Izaro carefully craft and embellish each gown by hand with painstaking attention to detail.
Izaro offers two services, Made to Measure, and Custom Made Couture.
Made to measure is more cost efficient whilst the custom made couture has greater flexibility with making minor changes to the original design.
With the made to measure option, the bride’s measurements are taken; the gown is then individually cut according to her measurements and sewn up for her first fitting. At this stage the dress is incomplete and seams are still open for the fitting. Once the gown is fitted to the bride the alterations are then tailored to the gown and any hand embellishment is performed to complete the dress. A final pick up is arranged approximately 1 week before the wedding.
The Custom Made Couture service involves several more fittings ensuring an immaculate fit and the option to change the design. The bride has her measurements taken and an appointment is made for her calico fitting. A paper pattern is then drafted followed by two fabric fittings and any hand embellishments are then applied once all the alterations are done. The dress is then completed and the bride is required to come in for her final pick up fitting.
