Formal and Fabulous

Oh, what to wear when you’ve just been invited to dinner at the White House? Denise Duyn and Kathy Lawrence know just the thing. With Clarissa Couture, the co-owners of Clarissa Bridal Salon in Walnut Creek have branched out from helping brides look gorgeous to outfitting power women in stunning custom and semicustom evening gowns.

How did Clarissa Couture evolve?

Duyn: We opened the salon in 1981 with strictly a bridal clientele. Soon, we found a niche of women who were attending high-profile events and having a tough time finding after-five dresses that were unique, fit well, and were appropriate for the occasion. In the last five years, we have outfitted women attending the Oscars, the Emmys, and the Grammys—as well as events at embassies and galas for the arts.

What makes this service different?

Lawrence: Many of our dresses are created by designers (including Mark Heister)
who can alter a pattern to create a custom-
fit gown. It’s essentially one notch down from couture (custom-made, one-of-a-kind pieces) and above ready-to-wear (clothing available in department stores). The dresses, which range in price from $400
to $4,000, are primarily for women in their thirties, forties, fifties, and sixties—very stylish, youthful, and chic. Tasteful, without being matronly.

How does the process work?

Lawrence: If women want customized gowns, we take their measurements [and] place the order, and from there it takes about six to 12 weeks. Returning clients allow us to select dresses specifically for them because they always have upcoming events and we know what they’ll like.

Who are your clients?

Duyn: Opera singers, businesswomen, women who are married to executives (like Joan O’Reilly, wife of Chevron chairman David O’Reilly), judges and lawyers, Silicon Valley executives—women who need to look beautiful for a special event. We put them in the right gown with the right foundation (bra, body shaper), accessories, wrap, jewelry—the whole look.

Duyn and Lawrence	Beautiful dress at Clarissa Couture

Duyn and Lawrence Style Tips

• Trends for summer evening wear include strong prints on lightweight, flowing fabrics, such as chiffon, at any length.
• Popular colors this season are bold and saturated, such as tangerine or turquoise.
• Shortening straps, adding a front closure, or having alterations done on a gown should alleviate the need for fashion tape (two-sided adhesive to keep clothes in place), but it never hurts to carry some in your handbag.