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Couture · London · since 2003

Mihaela Panaitescu Couture gowns, painted and embroidered by hand in London

One-of-a-kind gowns from my own sketches, a second life for the clothes you already love, and hand-painting on dresses, shoes and bags.

Talk to me about your piece See the gallery

From £45 · appointments evenings & weekends · courier UK-wide

Couture gown on a mannequin in Mihaela's studio
Red couture gown with hand-painted circles, made by Mihaela Panaitescu
The red gown photographed by a white fireplace

Three ways to wear something made only for you

Every piece is designed and finished by hand. You can start from nothing, from a garment you own, or from a single detail.

Mihaela's watercolour sketch of a gown with a parasol

Bespoke gowns

A one-of-a-kind gown, from my first sketch to the final fitting. Made for your evening, your stage or your red carpet.

Read more Black jacket redesigned with a cascade of pink tulle

A second life for your clothes

Bring a dress or jacket you already own. I redesign it into something new, with tulle, embroidery or a new silhouette.

Read more Black handbag hand-painted with red poppies

Hand-painting & embroidery

Flowers, faces and landscapes painted by hand on your dress, shoes or bag. Every piece is unique.

Read more

Recognised in London

  • Best Creative Collection, 1st placeFlame International Fashion & Art Festival, London 2019
  • Mayor of Ealing Achievements Award2019
  • Fashion DesignerBritish Fashion Festival Award, 2020
  • Best Flame Fashion DesignerFlame Festival, London 2021
  • Best Fashion DesignerUK Beauty & Brains Pageant, 2021
Mihaela Panaitescu holding her fashion design award

From Bucharest ateliers to the London red carpet

I started in 2003 in Bucharest, working for four years with the designer Doina Levintza, then with other Romanian designers. In 2016 I moved to London.

My gowns have been worn by Lady Victoria Hervey at the TRIC Awards 2024 and on the red carpet in Cannes in 2023, and shown at the British Film Festival.

My story
Black gown with a hand-painted face and embroidery

How it works

  1. Send a message

    Tell me what you have in mind on WhatsApp. Photos of your own piece help.

  2. We meet

    Evenings after 6:30pm or at the weekend, by appointment, in London.

  3. Sketch & fittings

    I draw the design, then we fit it until it is right.

  4. Collect or courier

    Collect it in London, or I send it by courier across the UK and abroad.

Questions

More answers on the contact page, or just ask me.

How much does a piece cost?

Prices start from £45. The final price depends on the piece and the work, so I give it once I've seen your idea or your garment.

Can I bring my own dress, shoes or bag?

Yes. Redesign and hand-painting are done on clothes and accessories you already own.

Do you do alterations or repairs?

No. I design, redesign and paint; I don't take hemming, alterations or dry cleaning.

Do you work with clients outside London?

Yes. We talk on WhatsApp and the finished piece goes by courier across the UK and internationally.

Have a piece in mind?

Send me a message with your idea, or a photo of the garment you'd like transformed.

WhatsApp Mihaela Send the form