Sarah French Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy garments directly from your website?

I create both custom and ready-to-wear items. The garments on my website are either part of my personal collection or were designed for a client. They are not for sale and are displayed to provide examples of my work. Please visit my shop, Vetus Novae, to view items currently for sale or contact me for a custom order.

How do I place a custom order?

First, contact me with your initial clothing request and ideas. From there, we'll arrange a personal consultation to develop the design and take measurements.  I will provide a cost estimate and will begin work once everything is finalized and agreed upon.  Two to three fittings are usually needed before the garment is complete. At this time, I require personal fittings for custom orders.

Where are you located?

I have an artist’s studio located in the Lowertown area of St. Paul, Minnesota.  Since I require measurements and personal fittings, clients will need to meet with me face to face.  At this time, I do not accept measurements for custom orders via the internet.

Can I stop by your studio?

I do not keep regular studio hours. Any visits are by appointment only. Please contact me if you would like to schedule a studio appointment.

Do you have a price list I can see?

Custom garments are individually priced based on complexity and materials. Once the design is finalized, I provide a work estimate and a price range. The final price will fall within that range plus the cost of the materials.

Do you take rush orders?

I do not make costumes on short notice.  The minimum time for an order is 4 weeks. However, it depends on the complexity of the garment and the amount of orders I currently have.  The average time needed is usually 6-8 weeks.

Do you make corsets?

Yes I do. I create a variety of historical corsets including Renaissance, Georgian and Victorian. I also make modern corsets worn as outerwear. My corsets are made with a heavy cotton drill lining to take the strain and wear of lacing. I also use straight steel and spiral steel boning and split-front busks if era appropriate.

Do you design for weddings?

I have occasionally taken commissions for weddings though it is not an area I focus on. The wedding gowns I have created in the past are usually based on historical styles.

Do you make hats? Wigs?

Occasionally, I will make soft hats from the Renaissance era; otherwise I do not make hats or wigs.

Do you make shoes or gloves?

I do not make either shoes or gloves.

If you have any other questions that I have not addressed, please feel free to send me a message.