Business Details
21 Years
experience
Custom Wedding & Occasion Wear in Glasgow
AJR Designs, based in Glasgow, is a bespoke dressmaking studio specialising in custom-made bridal, prom, christening, and communion wear. Founded by Ailsa Rendell, a graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama, the business combines over two decades of expertise in costume design with a passion for creating unique, client-centric garments. Ailsas career spans theatre, film, and international events, including representing Scotland at the World Stage Design Competition and designing gowns for the Miss Scotland Final. The studio offers a tailored service, from initial consultation to final fitting, ensuring each piece reflects the clients vision, body shape, and personal style. With a focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail, AJR Designs provides stress-free consultations, fabric selection, and transparent pricing, including all fittings and alterations.Clients praise the studio for its ability to transform ideas into stunning, one-of-a-kind designs, making special occasions truly memorable. The process prioritises individuality, allowing adjustments at every stage to guarantee satisfaction. AJR Designs also offers dress transformations, such as repurposing heirloom wedding gowns into christening dresses, blending tradition with modern elegance. The business has earned recognition, including a finalist position at the Scottish VOWS Awards, underscoring its reputation for excellence. Sustainability and client satisfaction are central to the studios ethos, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience from concept to completion. With a portfolio spanning bridal, prom, and ceremonial wear, AJR Designs remains committed to delivering timeless elegance and bespoke artistry.
Services
Bridal
Prom
Christening
Communions
Bridesmaids
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- We offer over 20 years of experience in bespoke dressmaking.
- Our team provides personalized one-on-one consultations.
- We guarantee a perfect fit with three included fittings.
- Our process includes transparent pricing with no hidden costs.
- We specialise in transforming heirloom garments into new designs.
What people say
Absolutely stunning
Stress free process
Amazing communication
Perfect fit
Timeless elegance
Services
Bridal
AJR Designs creates custom bridal gowns tailored to individual visions, from fairytale princess styles to modern jumpsuits. Each dress is crafted with precision, ensuring a perfect fit through three fittings. Clients receive sketches, fabric samples, and transparent pricing, with all alterations included.
Prom
Custom prom dresses are designed to stand out, offering unique styles from classic ballgowns to fishtail silhouettes. The process involves collaborative design sessions, fabric selection, and adjustments to ensure the final gown exceeds expectations while reflecting the wearers personality.
Christening
Handcrafted christening gowns blend tradition with modern elegance, using heirloom-quality materials. The studio offers bespoke designs or transformations of family wedding dresses, ensuring a meaningful, one-of-a-kind garment for special occasions.
Communions
Communion dresses are tailored to combine modesty and elegance, with options for custom details like lace or embroidery. The process ensures comfort and a perfect fit, allowing children to feel confident and special on their big day.
Bridesmaids
Bridesmaid dresses are designed to flatter diverse body shapes, with options for matching ensembles or individual styles tied by shared details. The studio ensures each dress aligns with the wedding theme while prioritising comfort and fit.
People
Ailsa Rendell
Designer and Dressmaker
Ailsa Rendell, founder of AJR Designs, trained in costume design at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. With over 20 years in theatre, film, and bespoke fashion, she specialises in creating custom bridal and occasion wear, blending artistry with meticulous craftsmanship.
Questions
What services does AJR Designs offer?
AJR Designs specialises in bespoke bridal, prom, christening, communion, and bridesmaid dresses, all tailored to individual preferences and body shapes.
How does the custom dressmaking process work?
The process includes a free consultation, fabric selection, three fittings, and transparent pricing, ensuring your vision is realised with no hidden costs.
Can I repurpose a family heirloom dress?
Yes, AJR Designs offers dress transformations, such as converting wedding gowns into christening dresses, preserving family traditions with modern updates.
Do you serve areas outside Glasgow?
While based in Glasgow, AJR Designs offers consultations and fittings remotely, serving clients nationwide through virtual appointments and sample deliveries.
What makes AJR Designs unique?
AJR Designs combines theatrical costume expertise with personalized service, ensuring each garment is a unique, handcrafted reflection of the client’s style and occasion.
Reviews (5)
Marianne Sarah
Sep 19, 2021
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Ailsa helped create and design our daughter’s gorgeous christening gown and made it from my wedding dress. She took on board all of my comments and made the most incredible dress for our daughter’s special day and we now have very happy memories from a dress on two wonderful occasions.
Celine Milne
Aug 22, 2021
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I decided to get a custom dress made for an event. I had an idea regarding style etc, however I found Alisa to be very good regarding fabric choice, supporting me with the overall style and what would suit me. I appreciated this honesty. I can highly recommend Alisa for designing a bespoke dress. Thank you Alisa love my dress and hope to get plenty of wear from it.
Julie Colville
Sep 01, 2020
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Fantastic service from Ailsa and brilliant face masks for my dad and brother. I will definitely order again.
Rebekah Sharp Bastekin
Aug 08, 2019
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I had such an incredible time working with Ailsa. She was so thoughtful and put in so much effort to make my dream dress! Thank you! I couldn’t recommend you more if I tried! It felt so special being in something that felt one of a kind. Xxxx
Debbie Cassels
Aug 05, 2019
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Ailsa listened to my requirements and discussed and interpreted them into the most perfect design. My wedding dress looked exactly as I had imagined and fitted perfectly. I would thoroughly recommend her. We had lots of feedback sessions and fittings and she was happy for me to bring along my daughter for her input. All in plenty of time and within budget. Ailsa was encouraging, patient, professional, and calm! The perfect combination for a bride-to-be!