The house

A bridal and occasion atelier. Made by hand in Lagos, fitted in Lagos and London.

Softouch brides in the garden, in gowns from the bridal collection

Our story

Softouch Couture was established in 2016. Every design begins in our Lagos atelier and is made there by our own seamstresses, by hand: the beading, the boning, the stitching, the finish.

In 2024 the house opened in the United Kingdom, so clients in London and across Europe can be fitted close to home. The cut and the craft are the same on both sides.

We make bespoke bridal gowns, civil wedding dresses, traditional aso oke, glam evening dresses and tailored suits.

Our philosophy

Fashion is self-expression. We would rather make fewer pieces and finish each one properly, so every garment is tailored to the person wearing it.

Our commitments

Fabrics
Ethically sourced fabrics and materials.
Fit
Designed for different body types, not one block size.
Service
One personal experience from the first consultation to the final fitting.

The designer

Ifedayo, founder and creative director

Odebunmi Ifedayo Fadekemi

Founder and creative director

Ifedayo learned to sew as a child, taught by a family friend. By university she was already making pieces for friends, family and her first clients.

She then trained at a fashion institute in garment construction, fabric selection and trend analysis. That training is still the backbone of the atelier: a gown has to be built properly before it can be beautiful.

Today she leads the design of every Softouch piece, joining African heritage to the way women dress now.

“For the brand, true elegance is about striking a harmonious balance between luxury and accessibility.”Odebunmi Ifedayo Fadekemi, to Stylerave, 2024

Our process

Every piece starts with a conversation. Here is what happens next, from the first consultation to the final fitting.

Consultation

  1. Enquire

    Reach out through the website to schedule your consultation.

  2. Consultation fee

    A non-refundable consultation fee secures your time. It is separate from the cost of the garment.

  3. Consultation

    In person, we talk through your vision and take measurements. By video, we do the same and send detailed guides so you can measure accurately. Sessions run 45 minutes to an hour; if you need longer, tell your relationship manager before the slot is set. To reschedule, give at least 36 hours notice.

  4. Design brief

    Within 72 hours you receive a sketch and design proposal drawn from the conversation. Each consultation fee covers two design reviews.

  5. Finalisation

    Approve the design and we send a final invoice and contract. Work begins when payment is received. After approval, no further design changes are accepted.

Production

Standard: 8 to 12 weeks from payment.
Express: Under 8 weeks, with an express fee of 30% of the total cost.

  1. Production Timeline Contract

    A written timeline of every stage, from department processing to fittings and final delivery.

  2. Fabric and customisation

    You choose from our fabrics, or we source something unique. Special fabrics and bespoke details typically take 6 to 18 weeks to arrive.

  3. Measurements and fabric details

    In person, we measure you at the atelier. On a virtual consultation, you use our guides. Fabric is finalised after payment.

  4. Construction

    Our artisans make the garment by hand.

  5. Fittings

    A base fit to check the foundation, an optional process fit to refine, and a final fitting to confirm.

  6. Completion and delivery

    Approve the finished piece, then collect it in person or have it shipped.

Price guide

Starting prices for a bespoke piece. The final price follows your consultation and depends on design and fabric.

Wedding dress
From £2,000Intricate design and full bridal construction.
Traditional aso oke dress
From £850Heritage cloth, cut to a contemporary line.
Glam dress
From £800For occasions where the dress is the statement.
Civil wedding dress
From £600A refined, simple line for the registry.

Included

  • A personal consultation about your vision and preferences
  • A bespoke design to your specification
  • Fabric selection and customisation
  • Multiple fittings
  • A detailed production timeline and progress updates

Consultations

The consultation fee is separate from the cost of your outfit, and is non-refundable once the consultation has taken place. To reschedule, please give us reasonable notice.

FAQs

How long does a bespoke gown take?

Standard production is 8 to 12 weeks from the date of payment. Your Production Timeline Contract sets out the exact schedule. Delivery in under 8 weeks is an express service and adds 30% of the total cost.

What payment methods do you accept?

Bank transfer only; we do not take cash. 70% of the total must be paid before production begins, and 100% before delivery.

Can I return or exchange a garment?

No. Because every garment is made to measure, we do not offer returns, refunds or exchanges. The consultation and fittings exist so that you are completely happy with the fit.

Can I change the garment after it is finished?

Alterations are part of the fitting process. Significant design changes, before or after completion, may cost extra and depend on availability.

Is the consultation fee refundable?

No. It is non-refundable once your booking is confirmed, and it does not count toward the cost of the garment. It covers your session and two design reviews.

Can I have a consultation without travelling?

Yes. Virtual consultations run by video, and we send detailed measurement guides so you can measure accurately at home.

Can I reschedule?

Yes, with at least 36 hours notice, which lets us offer you another slot straight away.

Do you ship internationally?

We ship worldwide with DHL. Delivery takes a minimum of 3 to 5 days depending on where you are, and shipping costs are paid by the client. You can also collect in person from our studio.

Can I bring friends or family to fittings?

Yes. Up to three friends or family members are welcome, and one person at the fittings themselves.

Can I involve a stylist or another third party?

Yes, if they are involved from the beginning. We cannot add a stylist or third party partway through.

Can I walk in to see my dress?

No. We work strictly by appointment, so every client has our full attention. Please book ahead for any fitting or viewing.

Do you accept fabric from clients?

Not for brides; we prefer to source our own fabric. For aso ebi, yes.

Contact

Email
softouchc@gmail.com
Phone
+44 7398 054323
Instagram
@softouchcouture@softouchbridals
Facebook
Softouchcouture

We work strictly by appointment. To see a piece, be measured or talk through an idea, book a consultation.

Book a consultation