Frequently Asked Questions

How much is shipping?

DQ Designs custom orders will ship UPS Ground Insured from North Carolina for all US orders. For more details, please review the full Shipping & Returns Policy.

Do you ship internationally?

No.

At the moment, DQ Designs is unable to ship garments outside the United States. For more details, please review the full Shipping & Returns Policy.

Do you accept returns?

Due to the custom nature of these designs, we do not accept returns.

Every garment created by DQ Designs is hand-made and one-of-a-kind, whether it is a custom order made just for you or one of the original pieces sold in our ready-to-wear boutique.

For more details, please review the full Shipping & Returns Policy.

How much does a custom order cost?

Starting price for custom designs is $900 USD, plus shipping.

Due to the hand-crafted and bespoke nature of each piece, pricing is determined by the individual design, bodice/tutu style, cost of materials, embellishing details, and hand work required. It is often the embellishing that drives the cost of a tutu; the more elaborate the details, the more labor-intensive it becomes.

Please be sure to specify your budget when submitting a custom order inquiry.

Do you require a deposit or partial payment upfront?

Yes.

Once the initial variation is confirmed, a $250 USD design fee is required upon placing an order. This includes consultation by phone or email, design work, sketch and fabric swatches. The design fee must be paid before work on your order can begin.

Once the initial sketch is completed, additional changes to the design or materials may incur extra fees.

The $250 USD design fee will be applied to the final cost of the tutu.

When is full payment for a custom order due?

The final balance is due when the tutu is completed and ready to ship.

Please note that your custom order will not ship prior to receipt of the final payment.

Can you make me a replica of so-and-so’s design?

DQ Designs will not copy other designers’ work. During the initial consultation, Diane will gladly accept photos or ideas in order to draw inspiration for an original design.

Will my custom order fit me?

Custom pieces are completely made-to-order and designed to fit the individual dancer. Specific measurement info will be sent to help guide you with that process.

What does "ready-to-wear" mean?

Exactly that! :)

If you're looking to purchase a DQ Designs original without having to wait for availability or production times, the boutique may have just what you're looking for.

Diane has launched a collection of beautiful, hand-made and stage-ready designs, suited for a wide range of performance variations and ready to ship today!

Will my boutique order fit me?

Boutique garments are sold as-is, but designed to be easily tailored in or out.

Please consult the individual measurements, noted on each item page, to understand fit.

Are these colors exact?

We photograph each design in natural light to showcase it's colors as authentically as possible. Due to different screen settings on your desktop, tablet, or smart phone, actual colors may vary slightly.