Gwen Couture

Name: Gwen Couture
Address: 4007 Wabash Ave, San Diego, CA, 92104, US
Telephone: (858)454-8599

Design Lab Custom clothing & Instruction in the dressmaking arts
www.gwencouture.com

12/06/2025

Repurpose good fortune! I stumbled upon this treasure- big thank you . A deeper dive into the history of this amazing drawn work table cloth left me in awe. Completely crafted by hand I tried to honor the original artisans many hours to create what was a very special treasure- I’m still uncertain as to whether it was linen or pina cloth.
I finished the interior seams w/ silk binding. Unfortunately my burn tests did not give me a conclusive answer. I’m leaning towards pina cloth although it’s blue.Thoughts? My first thought was a mother of pearl button for a closure w/ fabric loops but behold the amazing pearl clasps I hoarded from a while back. Lucky me.

08/26/2025

So this has been a protracted project & I’m happy to call it done. I just wanted it to have a little something- more than just the pearl snaps and it took some time to come to a conclusion. My simple flannel shirt was ….hmmm - just too simple. So seemed apropos on my last camping trip in CO to spend some time in the tent - lonely wo/ my sewing machine - but able to embroider ( I’m a complete novice btw) somewhat fearful I would puncture my air mattress with a lost needle lol. Didn’t make it to the rodeo this go around- but I’m ready 😉

05/14/2025

Pattern / print matching is one of my favorite challenges. It really elevates a garment and it’s a great mental exercise 😉 With a few tips & tricks you can match like a master.
The silk charmeuse cherub blouse sports an invisible zipper. Can you find the pocket on the men’s shirt? The chenille jacket has multiple vertical princess line seams. Of course I couldn’t help myself- a picture of what not to do 😳.

05/04/2025

In the spirit of casual comfort & vintage vibe I stitched up one of my fav old go to patterns- probably made this a dozen times over the years. It’s a 1980’s pattern …so yes there’s been plenty of time to repeat. This iteration is flannel w/ a contrasting collar stand, pocket & cuff placket. Wish I’d done the pocket both sides but I apparently got lazy 🧐.
Freshly (wrong adjective lol) back from the Sequoias it smells of campfire & eucalyptus lemon bug spray. Time for the laundry.

04/21/2025

So a couple years ago when I was in Rome, I found this absolutely ridiculous silk charmeuse fabric. I simply couldn’t NOT buy it… but what does one do with a bunny rabbit and poisonous mushroom print w/ a touch of leopard - line a simple vest and smile every time you put it on.
-made

04/10/2024

So it’s official. I’ve retired from dressmaking. This is one of the last gowns I had the pleasure to make. Double faced duchess satin - divine stuff. There have been hundreds- probably thousands of garments that have left the studio over the last 40 years….change feels odd even when it’s good. So we are entering a new chapter.
This is not to say I’m not working though! My days are now fully committed to teaching and I’m one happy camper- I can’t wait to share the brilliant work of my students and my personal projects.
-made

07/14/2022

If London is on your radar- here’s a must see. Had the pleasure of ogling this personally in May - the exhibit will be on at the V&A ….Fashioning Masculinities:The Art of Menswear- into the first part of November - such inspiration- I love the silk charmeuse lining and the juxtaposition of conservative wool plaid with lively color and beading details - hard to capture in a thumbnail but the textures — OMG beading , organza, charmeuse lux wool velvet shoes- dimensional Ribbonerie - 😍I hope to share some of my whirlwind museum findings in the coming days - Cheers.

09/15/2021

Wonderful exhibit in Juneau Alaska- Among the rich storied state history displays were a number of fiber art pieces that of course thrilled the maker in me.

08/22/2021

Some projects are extra special. I recently had the opportunity to collaborate with my sister on a dress for her son’s wedding- we had fun from the initial fabric shopping trip- a drive to LA & lunch- to the multiple fittings ( and glasses of wine ) that it took for sisters to work up just the right dress.
Special thanks to Samer for his patience and special ordering that perfect coordinating chiffon to match our silk charmeuse choice. And to my awesome brother in law that loves my sister to the moon & back & makes her smile.

07/27/2021

I debated this panel print for a while as it’s a 2.125 in length repeat and large scale so not just any garment would be best suited. I have a small collection of these Dutch digital prints now as maxi dresses-I love the weight - my simple dresses work as upscale sweats as far as comfy & easy goes - great for my work. Stable enough for bottom weight pieces and they wash really well. I used a vintage pattern I had - modified the volume in the skirt to accommodate the fabric width and added a detail at the neckline. I only wish the UNRULY was a tad more visible across the bodice! .

Address

4007 Wabash Ave
San Diego, CA
92104

Telephone

(858)454-8599

Website

http://www.gwencouture.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Gwen Couture posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Gwen Couture:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Business in San Diego?