CHARLES
AND PATRICIA LESTER
Luxury Clothes shopping
The Lester Shopping Experience
The Lester Shopping Experience
What other colours does this come in?
Hmmm - I am not sure about the print.
The fabric might be too light/heavy - what do you think?
The Lester Luxury Shopping Experience
In most stores it's a WYSIWYG situation - What You See Is What You Get and tough if you don't like it or fit into it. This is the complete opposite to what happens when you want to buy an outfit from the Charles & Patricia Lester collection.
What size does this come in?
Despite saying that we can cater for any size (and shape) we still get asked this question. The most important element when shopping for any clothes, luxury or practical, should be first and foremost "Will this suit my body shape?" Sadly dress shops are so limiting when it comes to availability of different sizes that this is the first deciding factor. But then that is their loss and our gain. We have customers of ALL shapes and sizes and it is an absolute joy for all of them to find something that will fit them regardless of how big or small they are. And if it is not quite right then it can be made for them. To have a girl burst into tears because she has never been able to try on something from the rail before buying it, is a tale to be told and we can never understand why so many stores do not realise that the average size of a woman is not 14.
What other colours does this come in?
We are all about colour. We are colour. We love the luxury of colour. Even though people see the colours when they first arrive - it takes a bit of getting used to and the question is always asked. And the reply?
"Any colour!"
Because every piece is hand painted individually - we really can dye up the fabric in any colour. Any of the myriad of colours you see in nature, on the painter's palette, on a dye chart and to confuse people further there is the possibility of having any combination of colours with our unique hand painted ombred patinas. For many this is too mind blowing - people are just not used to having a choice beyond the basics. Of course some combinations work better than others but it is not unusual for us to invent a new colour that will match the shoes, compliment the jewellery and enhance skin tones and hair colour.
Hmmm - I am not sure about the print.
No problem, let's choose another. Or maybe have no print at all. A different design or an alternative type of print that is bolder or more subtle perhaps might be better for you. For someone else a particular style of print may be fantastic - but for you, you might need to choose something else. You do not have to conform to a strict design code and have exactly what you see before you. There is choice.
The fabric might be too light/heavy - what do you think?
And again - there are alternatives. An outfit that you love may be available in the velvet but if you need something lighter for going on a cruise or a summer time party - then perhaps the same garment can be made in a lighter silk? There are plenty of alternatives in the types of fabrics we use - quality is a prime concern but there is still sufficient choice to satisfy most needs.
Are there any restrictions to what I can have?
Once people get used to the idea that we don't want them to fit into a shrink wrapped model, and they have got over that initial hurdle of that mind blowing confusion about the possibilities available - the light gets switched on and a free flow of ideas and thoughts begin to be expressed. However, there are limitations. Charles and Patricia Lester are designers - they and their team are not dress makers so only work in their own fabrics and designs. Time is the greatest limitation but even then sometimes miracles can happen and we can find something in stock that can easily fit the bill - sometimes with a minor alteration or adjustment.
Catering for every customer's individual needs.
We are all gloriously individual and should be celebrated as such. All this choice may take a bit of getting used to - but we do know what we are doing and can guide you along the way. We may joke and tease people telling them that we give them so much choice so that we can confuse you so much that we will tell you what you are going to have, but in reality it is the absolute opposite that is true. Longer sleeves, different cuffs, shorter top, deeper slits, more buttons, less buttons, beading or no beading, more ornate swirling, simple pleating, darker tones, bolder prints, extra fabric, less fabric, shorter, longer, wider or narrower. Brighter bolder beading or toning and subtle - the choice is yours. It may seem like a lot to think about and for some they do not need to worry one iota about these elements but we are aware of the differences and will make suggestions as and when appropriate.
All of our customers have one thing in common - they are appreciators of art, creativity and the aesthetic aspects of life. As such they are really artists in their own right and as such should be able to express this in the clothes that they wear. Individual, creative, and a perfect illustration of all that they love.
CHARLES & PATRICIA LESTER
Design Studio.
The Workhouse,
Hatherleigh Place, Union Road,
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. NP7 7RL
01873 853559 Open Monday to Friday.
Telephone for other times
Also at Harrods Plus Collections
Knightsbridge, London
Liberty
Accessories Department
Great Marlborough Street, London. UK
Telephone: 0207 734 1234
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01873 853559 or Contact