A couture piece begins with a dream or a story.

Creating a beautiful couture dress begins with a dream or a story, which is then transformed into reality. But couture must also be wearable; the clothes should complement the person wearing them, not overwhelm them.

In the sample collection at Kamera Obscura, you will find a wide range of fabric manipulation techniques. You will discover something entirely unique. Martine Abate enjoys combining different types of fabric to create distinctive details on specific areas of each piece.

When you commission a couture piece from Martine Abate, your journey begins with a first appointment at the Kamera Obscura studio. During this meeting, you will discover a selection of sample pieces and explore the stories and inspiration behind each of her designs.

The second appointment focuses on choosing the design and fabrics. Your couture piece may be selected from the Kamera Obscura collection or developed as a creative collaboration between you and Martine Abate. A calico toile of the design will be created to ensure the perfect fit, followed by three to four fittings throughout the process.

Once the design has been agreed, a detailed illustration will be created and presented to you, capturing the silhouette, fabrics, finishes, and individual details of your chosen piece.

Lead Time
We usually recommend placing your order two to three months in advance, although the lead time may vary depending on your chosen design. If you have an urgent deadline we may be able to accommodate this, please call us with your requirements.