From a wedding dress to a christening gown – a story of craftsmanship and love

Sometimes we receive commissions that make the heart beat a little faster. Projects that require courage, precision and a great deal of creativity – but that at the same time awaken a strong desire to create something truly unique. One such moment began with an email from Isabella Papaz from Switzerland.

She wondered if we at Grace of Sweden could help her create something very special: a christening gown for her son – made from her own haute couture wedding dress – while also keeping a shorter version of her wedding dress for herself for her son’s christening.

Daring to cut into a couture dream

Transforming an exclusive wedding dress into a christening gown is not something done without careful consideration. When we received the exquisite dress, we stood speechless in front of the incredible quality, the elegant lace and the champagne-coloured silk – fully lined in silk, something rarely seen outside haute couture tailoring. It felt both honourable and a little intimidating to work with such a beautiful, exclusive garment.

The story behind the fabric made it even more special.

Isabella told us that, during her work in fashion in Switzerland, she had seen the lace in a manufacturer’s lookbook many years earlier and could not forget it. When she later got married, she contacted them – and learned that the fabric had originally been woven for a princess in a European royal house. Only eight metres remained.

This was the exclusive fabric we were now about to cut into.

Design process – from vision to christening gown

Together with Isabella, we shaped a vision for her son’s christening gown. The goal was to create a design that reflected the original dress – including details such as the characteristic high collar – while still functioning as a classic and timeless christening garment.

We quickly realised that the fabric would not be enough for everything. The solution became a harmonious combination: a smooth duchesse bodice, shirt-like sleeves for a classic masculine feel, and hand-applied lace from the veil reused for cuffs and collar. The collar was designed as an elegant stand-up collar, echoing the wedding dress design.

The result was a christening gown with both history and future – a garment carrying memories while creating new ones.

Details that complete the whole

To complete the christening gown, Isabella chose beautiful personal details: a baby blue christening bow with embroidery in matching champagne tones, handmade christening shoes in the same fabric as the bodice, and name embroidery in soft baby blue.

The skirt was designed with a longer back drape, inspired by the train of the wedding dress. Our designer Tina Olofsson created a well-balanced silhouette with a soft, elegant flow that gave the christening gown its unique character.

This project is a beautiful example of sustainable design and circular fashion. By reusing a wedding dress, we created two new garments – a christening gown and a festive dress – that now live on within the family.

We see several ways to create a wedding dress again from the mother’s now-festive dress in the future, if someone wishes it.

A christening day to remember

The result was a radiant mother and a beautiful christening gown for her son – ready for a memorable christening day filled with love, family and tradition. We are deeply grateful for the trust to create something so personal and meaningful.

Thank you Isabella for a wonderful collaboration and for letting us be part of your journey.
Tina Olofsson, Grace of Sweden