Post # 1
Member
8 posts
Newbee
So I already asked for bees’ opinions in an existing thread about how I don’t love my dress anymore & thinking about getting a more destination-wedding appropriate gown that I love… http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/i-dont-love-my-dress-at-all-and-dont-know-what-to-do#axzz2lMPLlq4a
The gown I’m in love with is Pronovias Uncia. 
I found a Chinese dress maker who is [not claiming to be re-producing Uncia, but say is “Pronovias-inspired”] making a dress similar to Uncia at a cheaper price!! Please go to link to see:
https://www.etsy.com/hk-en/listing/161432839/pronovias-inspired-sweetheart-tulle?ref=shop_home_active
while this is much, much, MUCH cheaper price than what Uncia costs in my locan shop… I’m very iffy about whether the feather will look okay in real life, and whether the skirt isn’t too puffy… (it is definitely way to puffy for me now, can probably tell the dress maker to ton down the puff a little, but still iffy about the general quality)
What do you think?? Does the knock-off look similar enough to you???
Post # 3
Member
455 posts
Helper bee
I wouldn’t take the chance. I think simple dresses that rely on ruching or lace can be reproduced. Not to the exact same dress but to a very pretty near dress. Something like that which relies on such intricate constriction and placement of the feathers has me worried it could end up looking like a mess. That neckline, if off even slightly could look silly with those feathers.
Post # 4
Member
58 posts
Worker bee
from what I see on the picture, I don’t like the replica they make, sorry…. IMO the feathers and the ruffles on the skirt stick out very oddly, while on the original they are more flat….I really think the skirt’s not right…
there are some threads on the board about dresses with feathers from other dressmakers…
http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/jasmine-bridal-shop-dresses-part-v/page/6#axzz2lMUIEa5A –> http://www.jasminesbridalshop.com/blog/?p=340
Dressilyme- Who Else Is Waiting For Their Dress?!?
and here’s one thread about etsy but I think there are lots more, just checked really quickly 😉
Has anyone bought a dress off etsy??
that said, good luck finding and getting your perfect dress!!
Post # 5
Member
1998 posts
Buzzing bee
I don’t think I would risk it. It looks like the Etsy seller made the dress to the best of her ability but can’t really reprocude the look of the original exactly, it’s probably quite hard to get the feathery skirt to lay flat. Perhaps shop around a little more? I’ve read here on Weddingbee that Jasmine’s Bridal Shop and Dressilyme will actually tell whether or not they can make the dress.
Or perhaps your could try looking for a pre-owned original dress or a sample? I suppose the price would still be higher than a replica but maybe it’s worth a try?
Good luck!
Post # 6
Member
3245 posts
Sugar bee
@msong: I don’t think the knock-off as they’re selling it now is similar enough in the ways that sound like they’re important to you– mostly the puffiness of the skirt. The reason why the knock-off’s skirt is so puffy, is because they have used cheap nylon tulle for the skirt ruffles, whereas on the original, where the ruffles are longer and drape beautifully, the tulle they probably used is soft, drapey, high-quality silk tulle. So there is a huge difference in the quality of materials.
I’m not into the feathers over the bosom, either.
I think if you can get the dressmaker in China to use 100% silk tulle for the skirt ruffles (which will make the dress a couple hundred dollars more expensive, probably) and do something other than feathers at the top, you’d end up with a very pretty dress similar to the one you’re drooling over! (Seamstress talking here. 🙂 )
Post # 7
Member
1073 posts
Bumble bee
I had my dress made by Jasmine’s Bridal Shop, a trusted and reputable dress maker. I was still a bit nervous (it turned out phenonmenal). However, I would never order a dress from an unknown independent dress maker. If you’ve already had dress regret once, you mind as a well get the exact dress you want so this process can finally be over, lol. By the way, your new dress is amazing! 🙂
Post # 8
Member
441 posts
Helper bee
The feathers look like they were plucked straight out of a chicken. And they’re huge! I’ve seen Pronovias Duende up close (which has the feathers too) and they used much smaller feathers, that’s how they get them to curve around the bust. The knockoff feathers are sticking straight up and just look messy. Plus the skirt is completely different than the Uncia.