FAQs

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WHY CUSTOM

  • Zoba Martin is inclusive, collaborative, and ready to transform your vision into reality!

    Not being able to find the right styles or fit, at the store is a common issue. So instead, work with a local artisan designer to bring your idea to life.

  • Our experienced lead designer and her tailoring assistants, are masters of working with highly detailed couture pieces; and even some of the most intensive of fabrics.

    Zoba specializes in creating garments that compliment the natural shape of the human body, through attention to detail, knowledge of pattern drafting, cutting, draping and embellishment application. Getting a Zoba Martin design is a guarantee to have a flattering and expertly crafted original item; custom to your curves.

  • Mindfulness of fast fashion and the global impact that the fashion industry has on waste and water; is a leading motivator behind Zoba Martin and her brand.

    Zoba holds her value for sustainability by encouraging her clients to invest in custom, made-to-order and made-to-measure purchases. This process allows for slow consumption, intentional purchasing, long-term product life and exceeds expectations, while maintaining sustainable standards.

ORDER PROCESS

  • STEP 1: A FREE CONSULTATION

    Begin the process with a free consultation. Discuss your vision for the gown and explore silhouette and fabric options, as well as wedding specifics such as the timeline, location, and aesthetic inspiration (ie. pictures, sketches, mood boards, references etc.).

    This appointment is meant to help the client and the designer get on the same page, to conceptualize the design.

    STEP 2: DESIGNS AND REVISIONS

    During a second consultation, you will be presented with two design options and have the opportunity for revisions. The price of the second consultation is credited towards your order total, should you move forward with the design.

    A 50% instalment is required to begin the process (i.e., designing, measurements taking, fabric sourcing, etc).

    STEP 3: MEASUREMENTS & FABRICS

    If you are local, fittings will be scheduled throughout the construction process. Zoba Martin will take your measurements, and clients can look over fabric suggestions for their custom creations. Swatches can be provided for an additional cost.

    If you are not local a virtual measurement session is available to confirm proper sizing is used for the design.

    Knowing your fabric preferences, colour preferences and style preferences can be helpful, but if you are unsure or more open to suggestions, allowing Zoba to guide you on these selections is just what her expertise are for.

    STEP 4: FITTINGS (LOCAL ONLY)

    The next step is 2-3 fittings: a mock design, a fitting adjustments, and a fitting correction. All will be made before transferring the design to the final fabric.

    When the design is finished it will be shipped to you or available for pick up.

    When the order is complete, the remaining 50% balance will be paid on the final fitting/pick up or prior to shipment. The final payment must be received, to be able to receive your completed design.

    STEP 5: FINAL PAYMENT

    Now, you have an incredible custom Zoba Martin creation for your big day or special event!

  • For R-T-W and made-to-measure, payment is made in full online when your place your order.

    For customs, a 50% instalment is required to begin the process (i.e., designing, measurements taking, fabric sourcing, etc). The remaining 50% balance will be invoiced on the final fitting/pick up/shipment date; when your design is in your hands or at your door.

    Book a consultation.

  • Ready-to-wear and made-to-measure have set prices for each garment.

    For custom, pricing is subject to the intricacy of the designs and complexity of the fabrics used.

    You will be provided with an estimate during your first consultation, which is free. You can book a consultation with me HERE. The cost of materials is not included, for custom pieces (excluding bridal robes and veils), as some clients already have their fabrics. We have a selection of fabrics in stock you can choose from, or I can source materials for you at cost to the client.

    The cost of customs can vary, typically however, a range of prices can be found her for your reference and planning:

    Special events/wedding guests start at CAD 1200

    Custom reception wears start at CAD 3000.

    Classic bridal wears start at CAD 3600

    Custom wedding gowns start at CAD 5000

    Custom bridal robes and veils are also available.

  • You'll have multiple revisions before we start working on construction/sourcing. I only start working on the dress after the final design and materials are approved by you.

    There's definitely room for minor revisions (i.e. placement of embellishments), any major changes to the already approved design may affect the final cost of the garment.

  • Yes — For local clients, we typically assign 2 fittings and a final fitting/pick-up. If you are outside Toronto, don’t worry, all you’ll have to do is send me your measurements and your general industry size, then we work from there.

    A detailed measurement chart will be provided, and you may also book a virtual measurement appointment where Zoba will walk you through taking your own measurements. 

    At least one fitting is recommended for custom-made orders to make sure it fits just right, prior to shipping or pick up.

    Visit our sizing and alterations page for more information.

  • If you can make it to the studio for a fitting, we typically have 2 in-person fittings throughout the design process and 1 final fitting with pick up.

    If you can't make it to Toronto for the fitting or measurements, we would schedule a virtual call; where instructions are provided for measuring. Zoba has various high quality dress form mannequins, at differing sizes, which can be adjusted to your size.

  • We have a lot of beautiful fabrics in stock which you can pick from, and you can also provide your own fabric.

    If you feel unfamiliar with fabric shopping, you can leave it to Zoba to shop for your perfect fabric based on the design needs and style preferences.

    When fabrics are sourced by the designer this is done at an additional cost to the client.

    The fabric budget is very flexible and depends on the client’s design needs, as well as quality considerations. Typically fabric costs can amount to 20-25% of the price of the garment.

GENERAL

  • R-T-W or ready-to-wear is the term used for clothing that's pre-manufactured to standard sizes and sold in finished condition. Zoba martin Creates RTW: made-to-order collections.

    M-T-O or made-to-order is a production process in which the production of an item begins only after a confirmed customer order is received. The order is created based on a standard pattern and sizing.

    M-T-M or made-to-measure, although similar to M-T-O, involves taking detailed measurements of the customer to adjust a standard pattern, resulting in a garment that fits uniquely to the client.

  • CANADA — 9 Davies Avenue, Toronto ON M4M 1G3

  • Don’t stress — Zoba Martin designs are created for all body types!

  • Yes — Click HERE to go to our alterations request form (customs and bridal).

    Alterations are only available LOCALLY. We suggest any international or national clients seek our a skilled and experienced tailor for any alterations needed, after receiving your order.

    You may also email info@zobamartin.com for further questions.

  • Most of our items are made-to-order, some ready-to-wear items can be shipped within 3 business days from when you place your order.

    Each product has its own estimated production timeline, you can read about it in each product’s individual description.

    Wedding Dress/Reception Dresses: 2-4 months minimum.

    Formal wear: 3-4 weeks minimum.

    Rush service is available for an extra fee, typically 15-25% of the order (under 3 weeks, 8 weeks for bridal)

    Production timeline is subject to the designers capacity based on existing client orders, style selection and the clients needs. Inquire for urgent or rush order services.

  • Yes — A value of ours is sustainability, in addition to custom garments, renting luxury pieces you only plan to wear once is another way to enjoy couture fashion sustainably.

    Our rental fee on sample pieces is 20% of the total garment cost. Contact us to let us know which piece you want. Rental sizes are limited and styles are subject to availability.