Frederick Anderson’s boutique is set to open soon, but clients like Malini Murjani are already flocking to his door for fittings. Murjani, a designer and consultant, has known Anderson for a long time and appreciates his effortless and chic designs. She is getting fitted for a dress for her birthday party in Phuket, a sliver of golden satin-backed crepe with a deep décolleté. Anderson and Murjani share a close relationship, with Anderson often trying to get into his clients’ heads during their conversations.
Anderson believes that three fittings are enough to get a garment just right: the initial try-on, alterations check, and fine tuning if necessary. He aims to make the fitting process easy and comfortable for his clients, focusing on making the garment feel sensual without being too revealing. Anderson pays attention to every detail, ensuring that the silhouette of the dress complements the client’s body. He takes a step back to assess the overall look and decides that minimal adjustments are needed, wanting to work with the fabric to suggest the client’s shape while keeping the hem at a flattering length.
One of the main topics of debate during fittings is how to wear sheer garments. Anderson’s racks are filled with filmy, wispy designs that are both revealing and concealing. The sheer trend is a balancing act between Anderson’s design perspective and his clients’ desire for a touch of daring. Anderson offers suggestions on how to wear sheer garments, whether lined, with shorts, leggings, or veiling to control the level of reveal. He encourages his clients to have conversations with him about styling choices, ensuring that they feel empowered to experiment with sheer fabrics.
Anderson’s clients appreciate his attention to detail and willingness to collaborate on styling decisions. During a recent trip to a boutique in Dallas, Anderson encountered women who were hesitant to wear sheer but were inspired by his approach. He emphasized the importance of deciding how sheer garments are styled, rather than simply following a standard of lining everything. Anderson values the conversations he has with his clients about fashion and encourages them to embrace bold choices. His boutique is poised to become a hub of creativity and style, where clients can explore new trends and express their individuality through clothing.
