A Guide to our Production Styles
Our approach to creation has always been slower, more mindful, and rooted in our desire to tread as lightly as possible on this earth. This means we don’t produce extensive runs of each design, and often prefer to co-create made-to-order designs with you instead.
Often, we only make 1 piece of each size available because our founder, Eileen, prefers wearing outfits unique to her, and understands most of us want our clothing to feel as special to us as they are practical. Come along with us as we take you through the different production styles we practise here at Elizabeth Little, and what this means to you.
Ready-to-Wear
Our ready-to-wear designs are readily stocked items and available immediately online, in our studio and stockists. These designs include our childrenswear collection, hand-smocked heirloom dresses and ladies wardrobe staples, created in limited runs and quantities. We believe in quality and produce our ready-to-wear designs with our staple fabrics: Liberty Tana Lawn cotton, Spence Bryson Irish Linen and Japanese Linen.
Pre-Order
Pre-order designs are products that have not yet been made. We create pre-order designs because producing sustainably is deeply important to us. Pre-orders ensure that the materials we use are used wisely — to create items that will be loved and cherished, instead of hanging on a rack for a long time, lost in a sea of inventory surplus.
Depending on the product, pre-order designs have varying lead times. Our Miki Bow Hair Clip, for example, has a lead time of 7 working days, while womenswear pre-order designs generally have a lead time of 8 weeks. Pre-order designs may have customisable options, such as monogramming. Available options will be indicated in the product description online.
Most of our pre-order designs are made locally to benefit our local artisans as well as collaborators that we partner with.
Made-to-Order
Made-to-order clothing builds off our ready-to-wear designs. Each item is prepared and produced with you in mind, which not only helps to curb overproduction, but also reduces the likelihood of these designs being left unworn and in landfills.
Because our designs are built modularly, we invite you to mix and match our existing styles to make your piece unique. All made-to-order designs have a minimum lead time of 8 weeks. Customisation options include:
- Making a design in a different print, with no extra charge if it’s the same material.
- Making a design in a size that may not be available off the rack. We offer sizes 1-5 for womenswear (UK 6-18). An extra charge applies for size 4 and above.
- Changing elements of the original design, e.g. changing the sleeves, neckline, or even combining the top of one dress with the skirt of another. Additional charges apply.
The made-to-order experience caters to clients looking for a fuss-free, bespoke experience, or for coordinated outfits for family photoshoots and festive events. You may also be heartened to know that our made-to-order designs are made in Singapore by local artisans.
Book an appointment at our studio to try on styles and discuss design possibilities with us! You can also customise a design if you are unable to visit us in person — simply send us a DM on Instagram.
Made-to-Measure
Made-to-measure designs are customised designs, with clothing patterns drawn just for you. The process begins with an idea of what you’re looking for. A cheongsam with cut-out details? A two-piece set for a wedding? We would love to design this just for you. This fully bespoke experience caters to unique body shapes, and also accounts for particular product considerations that you may need, such as an unusual pocket placement. Once you create a design you like, the pattern is saved in your own library, and can be made in different prints any time you want.
Made-to-measure outfits have a minimum lead time of 10 weeks, and are only available only at our studio. Prices begin from $800.