De Lorme Weddings
Company History
De Lorme Weddings is a company that was set up by Ludivine De Lorme (see L'Artaire) and her younger sister, Mathilde in 1894, shortly before her 21st birthday.
The company was initially intended to be passed down through the generations, though, upon Ludivine's death in 1925 after the First World War it was entrusted to her eldest daughter, Juliette. Unbeknownst to Ludivine at the time of her death, Juliette was working as a prostitute and no less than two years later would give birth to Marc, following an unknown sexual encounter gone awry.
Upon discovering her sordid lifestyle, Jacques, the eldest son instructed his younger brother, and Juliette's twin, Gregoire to take care of the business until a more suitable female heir could take care of the business.
Cliéntèle
Many celebrities travel to France especially to purchase, try on, and view Ludivine's original designs, though these are altered to suit specifications and new ones are being produced by Charlotte and her team every season.
Dresses
Every dress is made specifically for the client, altered and tailored to fit the specifications they choose. However, they are based off of general sketches and early original designs made by Mathilde and Ludivine when they first opened the business. Furthermore, however, Charlotte Halifax and Pascale Devereux-De Lorme maintain these designs while also creating their own. All material is sourced from one place and bought as needed. There are a few employees, though mostly hired to help put together the designs and liaise with clients.
Business
Though boutique, the business has become quite successful in the 100 years since it's conception. There was a celebration with the remaining descendants of Ludivine L'Artaire in 1994 to celebrate the 100 year anniversary, and they sold more than 200 dresses to both celebrities, noble women and many working class people alike during that year, a record for it's history.
Employees
Currently managed by Ludivine's great-grandaughter Charlotte Halifax. Though also has been maintained and managed by various descendants of Mathilde's family - most notably Pascale Devereux-De Lorme, whose granddaughter is French socialite Mathilde Devereux-De Lorme, and who also manages De Lorme Weddings with Charlotte.
Location
Currently, it is housed in Paris, though out of the main tourist areas. Viewing is by appointment only, though every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday there are sales assistants on for three to four hours on in the afternoon.
