Thread: Paganini Costumes

Paganini Costumes

These look like Bella's, slightly cheaper???

Not much cheaper, but the quality is comparable. Mine was made on a lyra base instead of velvet. The beadwork is very similar to Bella.

Isn't Paganini a Bella spinoff, sort of? A former seamstress or designer who used to work under Bella?

I remember someone saying, though, that if you show a Bella design to Paganini they'll send you to Bella to have it made, and vice-versa. So I had the impression it's an 'authorized' spinoff, not a knock-off house.

Yes, I believe that she does or did work for Bella. She refused to make any costume that I showed her if it was a Bella. I had to find an example of a costume I liked that was different. It still turned out very similar, but I think she tries very hard to avoid recreating a known Bella design.

I have a Paganini and it is really well made and comparable to a Bella for sure. Same style and craftswomanship. It is really pretty and worth the price.

I think that Mercedes Paganini used to be one of Bella's seamstresses. Shayna would know for sure, she has several of her costumes.

Maria Mercedes Paganini is the daughter in law of Bella, for years she was working with/for them. She started her own atelier with some seamstresses from Bella, from all the "former seamstress of Bella"-designers this is the closest to a Bella you can find. You can't tell a difference without looking at the tack.
Maria and Bella still work very close together and as Bella refuses copying one of their costumes she refuses it too. You can only ask her for a similar style, just the same as you can from Bella.

I must say that I really quite fancy one of these. I've liked her stuff for a while and the prices are something that even I can aspire to. I've read quite few threads about Paganini costumes both on Bhuz and on Oriental Dancer and the response seems to be very positive from everyone who has actually bought one.

The ones Shayna had a while back were stunning and I think she's sold one on fairly recently.

Our dance troupe purchased three Paganini costumes that are all the same style but different colors, and we get so many compliments on them. I LOVE mine! It is the most comfortable costume I own, fits perfectly, is super sturdy ... I really recommend her costumes! Now if she'd just update her website with new stuff ... sigh.

I have two Paganini costumes. They are very well made. Ordering from her was a breeze. I sent her my measurments and the bank transfer. Neither one of my costumes took more than four weeks from the time I ordered to the time I was notified that they were ready. The first one in fact only took three weeks. She kept me informed on the progress of my costumes, and was very quick to answer emails or questions. The costumes were made exactly to my specifications and the fit was perfect. I'd order from her again in a heartbeat. I too wish she would update her website with new models though. ..cr.:

Regards
Priscilla

I'm considering buying a costume there.. I've seen a model I like in the costume section. But I would like to see the exclusive ones aswell first. I tried to get a password to see the exclusive costumes, but something doesn't work with the registration form.
Sent her an e-mail this weekend, but still no reply. ..c::*frustrated*

I really like these!!! Glad to find the site! Thanks!

I still adore that pink one that Shayna had for sale! I want it I want it I want it!

Same as you girls, the costumes are really lovely, i know one girl who got one who says it's absolutely wonderful (though maybe a bit on the big-side in the bra cups).

Before the summer I had contacted Mercedes Paganini by e-mail asking a few questions. She always answered promptly, clearly, and was very helpful (I was hesitating about the color, she gave me very helpful opinions). I didn't end up ordering anything (yet - was somewhat broke, and couldn't really justify it to myself) but i definitely wouldn't hesitate to.

Soraya, when I was in contact with her I mentioned the faulty registration form, she sent me a login/password via e-mail. She'll probably do the same for you soon enough; if you don't have an answer within the next couple days pm me and i'll see if i still have that e-mail somewhere. But to my knowledge she's very good at replying, so you'll probably get an answer soon.


Edit: Soraya, PMing you

Does anyone know teh website tried to find it.

This is an old thread- as far as I know, Paganini closed her site when she had a difficult pregnancy- bedrest, IIRC- and it hasn't re-opened. I'm hoping it re-opens at some point, because I LOVE her costumes! I actually had decided on which design to order and almost had enough money saved when her site closed. Someday I'd love to order from her.