FROM BOUTIQUE TO PORTRAIT: HOW ANNE’S HEIRLOOM VISION CAME TO LIFE

Join us through a heartwarming journey across the globe, as Anne’s heirloom vision comes to life.

Visit to the Parisian boutique : Finding the perfect dress at L’Ile aux Fées

Living in Saint Louis, Missouri, Anne and her husband had long been dreaming of taking their three children to Paris. After careful planning, the whole family decided on spending a whole week in the capital. Amongst their many visits planned, one was particularly dear to Anne : taking her only daughter Margot for a girls’ shopping experience. Having discovered us online thanks to the tastemaker and influential blogger Emily Hertz, her heart was set on visiting our smocked dresses store L’Ile aux Fées. 

She wasn’t just looking for a dress. She was looking for THE dress — the one her daughter would wear for a portrait that would hang on her wall for generations. She had already chosen Shana Watkins, a local photographer known for creating heirloom portraits that feel like art and memory wrapped into one. The only missing piece? A dress that captured the timeless, innocent beauty of childhood.

We had prepared a special welcoming featuring Margot’s name on our front door to make her feel like the princess she is. When she walked into our boutique, she had a quiet sparkle in her eye and joyful smile upon her lips. We spent time making introductions and were soon chatting away like long time friends. We then began looking at all the dresses, touching the fabrics, making a pre-selection and of course trying them on. Margot had to make sure they spun well enough and it’s safe to say they passed the test with great success. 

Whilst Margot was initially drawn to bright pinks and pearls, a soft blue pastel one with traditional Peter Pan collar and puffed sleeves instantly caught Anne’s eye. The delicate handsmocking on the bodice featuring baskets filled with flowers and feminine bows spoke to her heart. The overall silhouette felt traditional but not overly formal. When she saw it, she paused. “This feels like her. This is what I envisioned” she said, brushing the fabric between her fingers.

Margot soon agreed and after whispered mum and daughter consultation, sweet hugs and more twirling, both agreed it was the perfect one!

We could not let Margot leave without signing our Princess board with her autograph and gifted her Paris themed colorings for the trip back home. She was so excited that she drew herself wearing the dress right after her visit.

It was then time to leave but we knew the memories would remain forever. And that the best was yet to come…

Heirloom Portrait Session : A memorable experience behind the scenes

A couple of weeks later, back in the US, the much awaited heirloom portrait session took place with Shana. Through the artist's words and backstage video, live the session with us.

It was the perfect Saturday morning with light filtering through the bay windows of the studio and darling Margot, radiant, sweet, and full of joy, in her smocked Charlotte sy Dimby dress. Soft pastel cornflower blue with silver metallic accents and delicate hand-embroidered baskets on the bodice, with a bow tied just right, it carried a charm of its own, yet was perfectly hers. Dress and child made one.

The Love & Legacy portrait session was more than a series of reference photographs for her hand-colored portrait. The full experience was in itself one of those storybook moments, preserved not just in memory but in the heart.

It was a timeless celebration of childhood’s fleeting magic. Her smile, wide and uninhibited, lit up the room. Shana let her simply be herself : curious, giggly, and full of life. There was something truly enchanting about the way she held her hands just so, the gentle sway of the dress capturing both elegance and innocence. 

From Photos to Final portrait : Creating a work of art

To bring the final portrait to life, several technical steps take place.

After the photo session, Shana collaborates with another gifted artist who delicately hand-colors each portrait, stroke by stroke, using a digital pen. This thoughtful technique allows every tiny detail, each curl, freckle, and eyelash, to be rendered with stunning accuracy, preserving the true spirit of children. Before anything is printed, families are invited to preview a proof, offering the chance to ensure everything feels just right.

Once approved, the final portrait is printed on a luxurious 100% cotton paper sourced from Germany, using archival inks designed to stand the test of time. Additional copies, large and small, are available for special gifts for family and also keepsake trunks.

And for families near or far, Shana now also offers finished portraits created from client-provided photographs. With heartfelt advice, she guides parents on how to capture the perfect classic image that also showcases the child's personality.

A dream come true :

Approved and printed, Anne's heirloom vision has become reality.

Thank you again for letting us be a part of your daughter's childhood magic.

Every detail holds a piece of her story : a chapter she’ll want to return to, again and again, as you grow.

Looking back on this portrait, may she remember not just the way you looked, but the full experience behind it and all the emotions linked to it. In its time, it shall become a legacy : an heirloom worthy of being passed down to your own grandchildren.

Seeing one of our dresses become part of your family’s legacy is the greatest honor. It’s more than fashion. It’s memory-making. Thanks to Shana’s talented lens, childhood is preserved, tradition honored, and a fleeting moment turned into forever.

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