On this page we have listed some of our most Frequently Asked Questions...
If you have any questions that you would like answeared please feel free to email us and we'll do our best to add it to this page
Modern costumes are made from Silks, lycras, satins, metallic lames and particularly sequins, which are all luxury fabrics and were never intended to give years of hard wear. Irish dance costumes are no different than any other garment in so far as it will wear out, however the way in which it is treated will have a direct effect on it's life span. It is our experience that no fabric manufacturer will take responsibility for fading satins or dulling lames, so help protect your costume from such things as sunlight, hairspray, perfumes and the occasional mishap, by using carry bags that are as wide as the costume itself. Dancers should refrain from touching or playing with dresses whilst wearing them, nor sit except on a tripod type chair which will not crush the skirt. They should take it off immediately after dancing, and don't put it on until your comp is lining up. You should let your costume air out for a few minutes before carefully putting it back in it's dress bag. Your costume should be treated with the respect with which owning any expensive piece of clothing deserves. Do not wear accessories, which will pull threads and damage your embroidery.Hand wash satin pants in lukewarm water in mild soap flakes, do not use biological powders.
If you do have to dry clean your costume, it is advised that you do this as infrequently as possible as it leads to softening of the skirt and fading of the colours, and in some cases may even damage the fabrics. Point out to your dry cleaner the delicate fabrics and the value of your costume before they clean it.
A. Yes, We can incorporate your new design within your new costume, and have a 2-3 month completion time on custom one off designs...Price would depend on complexity of design, fabrics used, and finished sizes. If you could let us see the design, with a description of your selection of fabrics to be used and your measurements we could give you a more precise price.
Please be aware that for our part we have no way of verifying that the design you intend to use has been used before. Your Design, like all others, will be created by our artists to your brief and made by us in good faith...
A. We would not allow you to copy/ use our designs Exactly, However we are happy for you to adapt any of our stock creations.
We can appreciate at times all costume makers/ artists use other designs as inspiration to create new designs, in fact this can be seen throughout all creative mediums and should be seen by the previous artist as the highest form of flattery. We have on some occasions seen Irish dance costumes which have clearly had our designs used as the inspiration to create a newer version. We take this as a compliment and would not attempt to take the matter further...however we can't speak for other artists.
Have a look at our Web Site, this will help you get ideas on costume styles, colours, designs and prices. If you see a costume for sale that you are interested in, simply follow the links, or please feel free to contact us at info@paulkeith.co.uk or Telephone / Fax us on +44 (0) 1304 367257 we will be happy to help you further.
SECOND,
If you don't see what your looking for, you can have your own Paul Keith costume created, contact us and book your place in advance. Request an information / order pack which contains all you need to order your new costume, including designs, fabric samples and order / quotation form. Alternatively, make an appointment to come and see us, we can then help you in your selections and complete all paperwork.
THIRD,
Take your time and decide on the options you want in your costume, perhaps your teacher may wish to help give some impute. When you are ready, complete all relevant sections of the form including measurements (get a second opinion on this from a local tailor or someone at class) and return it to us (or call us for an appointment and we will be pleased to do it for you.
FOURTH,
We will give you an estimated cost, and delivery time (usually within 2 to 12 weeks from confirmation of order, depending on the choice of product) and set up an appointment if needed. We will require a deposit of half the total amount as confirmation of your order.
FIFTH,
We will notify you prior to completion of your new costume, at which stage we require the balance in full prior to despatch or upon collection.