Pricing, Livelihood & Craftsmanship

On Pricing, Livelihood, and Craftsmanship

 

Susan Maria Vestments is a sole-practitioner studio. As a single Catholic woman, this work is my sole livelihood. I do not have the advantage of a spouse-provided home or financial safety net; I personally fund my housing, overheads, machinery, tools, and the careful sourcing of high-quality fabrics in an unpredictable market.  Each commission represents not only many hours of specialised labour, but the practical reality of sustaining a life devoted to a rare and demanding craft.  This is my vocation and calling in life. 

Prospective clients are asked to consider this carefully before enquiring, and to approach commissions with seriousness and respect for the time and energy of an artisan.   While my work is priced to be fair and accessible, it remains well below the top-end rates charged by senior freelance fashion designers in Australia, who typically earn AUD $100–$150+ per hour, with highly specialized experts sometimes commanding even more. These rates reflect decades of experience, niche expertise, and the premium associated with bespoke, project-based work—underscoring the true value of specialised craftsmanship.  

I warmly welcome serious inquiries and am excited by the prospect of discussing your ideas, providing thoughtful quotes, and creating unique design concepts tailored to your needs.