The Legacy Couture Portrait Journey

The Journey

Welcome to your Legacy Couture Portrait Journey.

Having completed the preliminary stages of the application process, we are delighted to invite you to take the next step in exploring the possibilities for your Legacy Couture Portrait commission. It is our pleasure to learn more about you, your story, aspirations, and experiences you wish to honour through your portrait, a couture commission with Olivia Torma Couture, or a combined couture and legacy portrait experience.

The following stages provide an overview of the journey ahead. While every journey is unique, each project unfolds through a carefully considered process designed to ensure every detail is approached with intention, clarity, and care.

Stage I — The Consultation

A personal consultation is arranged to discover your archetype and discuss your ideas, inspirations, aspirations, and the chapter of life you wish to honour through your commission. 

Consultations are arranged through our appointment booking calendar and may take place by telephone, video call, or in person at a suitable location. An appointment invitation confirming the details of your consultation will be provided prior to our meeting.

Together, we will spend approximately one hour to explore your archetype and creative direction, locations, wardrobe considerations or a couture commission, styling, timelines, and the possibilities available for your portrait and couture experience. Please bring your completed questionnaires and your completed Couture & Fine Art Portraiture Commission Workbook. The workbook can be accessed here.

Stage II — The Commission Brief

Following the consultation, a preliminary Commission Brief is prepared, capturing the creative direction, project requirements, proposed services including the option of a couture commission, and key objectives discussed during our meeting.

The Commission Brief serves as the foundation for the preparation of your draft commission proposal.

Stage III — The Draft Commission Proposal

A tailored proposal is prepared outlining the recommended scope of services, creative direction, anticipated timeline, deliverables, and indicative investment for your commission.

This proposal provides an opportunity for both parties to review the project in detail before any commitment is made.

Stage IV — Commission Acceptance

Should you choose to proceed, the proposal is formally accepted and the commission is secured through the completion of the required documentation and payment of the initial commission fee or deposit.

Stage V — Commission Planning

Once accepted, detailed planning begins.

This stage may include:

• Client intake documentation

• Measurements

• Couture development

• Fabric and embellishment selections

• Location research

• Scheduling

• Portrait planning

• Hair and makeup planning

• Supplier and venue coordination

Stage VI — Couture Development & Fittings

Where a couture garment forms part of the commission, the design is brought to life through pattern development, garment construction, fittings, refinements, and finishing. For more information please refer to the Couture Commission page. 

Each fitting provides an opportunity to perfect the garment and ensure it reflects the vision established during the planning process. The number of fittings will depend on the complexity of the design and any changes required. 

Stage VII — Portrait Preparation

Locations are confirmed, logistics finalised, styling refined, and all creative elements brought together in preparation for your portrait session.

Stage VIII — The Legacy Couture Portrait Session

Your portrait experience takes place.

The session is carefully directed and styled to create a collection of images that reflect your story, personality, and the legacy you wish to preserve.

Stage IX — Artwork Review & Selection

Following the portrait session, your images are reviewed and prepared for presentation.

An artwork selection appointment may be arranged to assist with the selection of final images, framing options, albums, and other artwork products.

Stage X — Artwork Production

Selected images are professionally retouched and prepared for printing, framing, and presentation.

Stage XI — The Reveal

Your finished artwork is presented and delivered.

This may include framed fine art portraits, albums, archival prints, and other commissioned pieces created as part of your experience.

Stage XII — The Heirloom Archive

Upon completion, The Client Parlour may continue to serve as a private archive containing documentation, approved designs, commission plans, progress updates, and selected imagery relating to your commission.

The archive preserves not only the finished artwork, but the story of how it came to be.