The concept
“Shibui” is the Japanese concept of simplicity and subtlety.  It is quiet.  It is understated.  And it is beautiful.  Shibui Designs strives to bring these qualities to handcrafted dresses designed specifically to flatter the figures of women whose shapes change with time.

As women age, their proportions and shapes change; most ready-to-wear clothing seeks to either hide those changes by offering loose construction, neutral colors, and “sameness” across every line OR offers styles that better fit 30 year olds.    Shibui Designs believes instead that good fit is more important than ever—nothing flatters any body, young or old, heavy or slight, better than clothes that fit superbly.  We also believe there is nothing more beautiful than a self-assured, mature woman who does not strive for youthful perfection, but who wishes to dress with sophistication and great personal style.

Think exceptional quality and expert detailing.  Think custom-made dresses purchased within the privacy of one’s own home via internet or telephone, or in person at a Shibui trunk show.  Think Grace Kelly.  Think elegance.  Think Shibui.

The dresses
Shibui designs have classic lines that enhance femininity, yet feature details and fabrics that foster a contemporary, tailored look. Our dresses are extremely well made; they are handcrafted in your choice of fabric. In many ways, Shibui dresses bring haute couture style and fit without haute couture prices to discerning women.   They are available in your choice of fabric, and they can be made to order.   No two are alike.

The service
One-of-a-kind dresses are complemented by personal service.  While you can order a dress on line, we  welcome a phone call to discuss your purchase, and we encourage you to attend a trunk show, where you can see actual dresses, try samples on for size, or have your measurements taken as part of our Shibui Custom Service.

The founder:  meet Elizabeth Nill

With a Harvard MBA and more than 35 years in senior executive and management positions, Liz is now pursuing a long-held passion:  the creation of an elegant, tailored line of dresses and skirts in one-of-a-kind that fit and flatter women her age.  “Shibui Designs was born because I couldn’t find what I wanted myself — finely made, classic dresses handcrafted in fine fabrics to truly fit my shape.  I don’t have the body of a model, and the bulges are real.  Truly well made classic clothing that is custom made-to -measure for me helps to camouflage these inevitable imperfections and makes me feel more elegant. I’d like to be able to bring this to all women who are facing these frustrations.”  Liz now lives with her husband in Barnstable Village, Cape Cod where she can be found in the Shibui Designs shop designing, meeting customers and playing endlessly with fabrics.

Related Links

Please visit some of our favorite online fabric stores: www gorgeousfabrics.com and  www.emmaonesock.com.