CUSTOM DESIGN COMMISSIONS

I accept a selected and limited amount of custom commissions a season. Books will open for a short time and once slots are filled, books will close until the next season. Follow me on Instagram for opening updates!

Type of projects accepted

I prefer to work on projects that allow me to project my own design aesthetic while also challenging me creatively. I love creating something visually exciting that highlights the client’s body, movement, and style. I view the commission process as a relationship: we work together through extensive discussion to achieve the best end result. You should hire me because you like my design work and because you want to work with me to get something uniquely yours. 

Types of projects not accepted

I will not knowingly recreate someone else’s design, not even if their books are closed, and especially not because they’re too expensive. We’re all trying our best to make a living doing work we love, and take pride in. I know that, basically, there are no new ideas under the sun and any new design is piggybacking off of another — which is fine, that’s the nature of art — and that the likelihood of this very thing happening, even to me, is high, but I’ll stand on the principle of the thing when I can. That said, images of existing pieces can be a great jumping off point for new work! Inspiration doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I just want to reinterpret, not copy.

I’m not likely to accept projects that fit into the range of classic burlesque costuming - i.e. panel skirts, triangle bras, and corsets. No shade to these looks - they’re classic for a reason - but there are a lot of makers out there for these things, and some excellent tutorials if you want to DIY them. I can’t encourage the latter enough! But for commissions, I’m your lady for outside the box. 

Also, I don’t rhinestone. There are so many people out there who are amazing at this skill, and I am not one of them. Happy to make recommendations! I will do a bit of hand beading, though. It will stand the test of time, and won’t kill your brain with glue fumes.

Pricing

This depends on a lot of factors. When pricing custom work, I consider the design process, fittings, pattern drafting, construction, and materials. I consider the market and a living wage for myself, and I price my work fairly. But even so, it’s expensive. A custom design is exactly that — costume pieces that are designed and engineered just for you with a tailored fit for your personal body and movement. Typical cost lands in a range of $500-$2000. I aim for open dialogue and full transparency in this process. It’s an expensive investment, but it shouldn’t be a stressful one. 

MADE TO ORDER ITEMS

Bras 

I am not offering bras at this time, for a couple of reasons: a) they’re difficult to produce in a wide enough range of sizes as to be inclusive to all, and b) not every one has boobs and right now, I prefer to focus on creating pieces that can be worn on a wide array of different bodies. 

If you’d like to cover or build a bra to match one of my bottoms yourself, I am happy to offer yardage of matching fabric. Please email me at lisaraydesign@gmail.com to request. 

Pouched variations

I am hard at work in the lab, developing pouched options! Please check back for new stock coming soon!

Customization beyond color

Have a specific action or augmentation in mind for one of the items in the collection? I might be game. Email me!

Just bottoms

For the moment, yes. But new items are in the works! I’m starting small and adding from there. Check back often!

International Shipping

Not juuuust yet. I aim to provide this option very soon. 

Hiring

It’s my goal, but not yet. I hope to be able to bring on another sewing/office hand in the next year.

MORE QUESTIONS? EMAIL ME!