Behind the Scenes

The Tess Fit

I created the Tess dress block as a secret recipe for a fit as individual and unique as a fingerprint. The perfect fit- for real women of all shapes - is crucial to my designs, and I have made dress forms with the Tess signature fit in all the sizes we produce. Read More >

Blueprints for Beauty

My sketches and designs are translated from paper into prototypes, ready to begin their journey towards becoming a completed Tess dress! While other manufacturers only check their 6 (the average size) and scale it up or down to determine their other sizes, Tess evaluates each size of each Tess style individually. Read More >

Smile!

Lights, camera, action! The photo shoots are where all our planning and preparation comes to fruition. Our production staff, our models, and the Tess vision come together to show us how a Tess dress will look on a real, live Tess woman. Read More >

The Tess Team

Tess is not just a company; it is also a family (sometimes literally, as many family members have helped out!). This is what a Tess shoot looks like as it moves from one location to another. The only person missing is Mike ... he was out getting ice cream for everyone! (Yes, our shoots are fun!) Read More >

Finishing Touches

Tess is all about the details: from getting the last hair of Anya's beautiful 'do in place to making sure every seam in every Tess dress meets our quality standards. The team and I put as much love and care into creating the Tess 'look' as we do into the designs themselves! Read Part One and Part Two.

Theresa and Tess

Seeing my designs through the lens of our talented photographers brings them to life. This is always a special moment for me - I know that all my hard work will benefit both my customers and my Tess team. It is a dream come true. Read Part One and Part Two.