Radiance Couture Atelier
For every occasion, a dress made only for you
Radiance Rare is a couture design studio specializing in made-to-measure women's evening wear, crafted by hand so that every important moment has a look of its own.
Cordelia Hirzel
The Founder
Founder & ceo
Meet the Founder
Cordelia Hirzel
Founder & CEO
Cordelia Hirzel studied fashion design at the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM) in Paris, specializing in womenswear design, textiles, draping, and luxury brand management.
In 2017, she co-founded Radiance Rare with Scarlett Meier to create distinctive couture for women who value individuality, exceptional craftsmanship, and timeless elegance.
As Founder and CEO, Cordelia leads the studio's design vision, collections, and creative direction. Her approach combines precise tailoring, luxurious materials, and meticulous hand-finishing to create pieces defined by their character, structure, and enduring beauty.
For Cordelia, true luxury transcends trends. It lies in the quality of every detail and the confidence a woman feels when wearing a piece created exclusively for her.
- Nationality: Swiss
- Residence: Los Angeles, California
- Date of birth: March 28, 1988
Our Philosophy
Every stitch, made with care
At Radiance Rare, every gown begins with an honest conversation. We listen to your story and understand your character, then translate it into the fabric and tailoring that make you feel confident and radiant.
From measuring and pattern-making to hand-sewing and fitting adjustments, the same pattern maker stays with you throughout, so every curve of the dress fits you and only you.
Discover the Process10 yrs
Made-to-measure gown experience
1200+
Custom gowns completed
100%
Hand-sewn and hand-finished
Signature Collections
Our Collections
From starlight to moonlight, Radiance Rare presents the many faces of evening wear. Every piece is made to order by hand.
01 Series One
Celestial Blue
Inspired by the night sky and the galaxy, silver blue ombre tulle, hand beadwork, and three-dimensional floral detail come together for light yet striking couture made for the red carpet and important occasions.
02 Series Two
Blush Royale
Inspired by a blooming garden, pink and violet ombre tulle with hand-made three-dimensional floral detail unfolds in soft, romantic lines, for a look that blooms on the red carpet and at celebrations.
Lookbook
Selected Works
A selection of craftsmanship detail and behind-the-scenes moments from recent commissions, following each gown from sketch to finished piece.
01 Series One
Ivoire Royale
Inspired by the grandeur of a royal ceremony, hand-set beads and crystal floral detail are layered over ivory tulle, shaping the elegant lines of a train and full skirt.
02 Series Two
Nuit Etoilee
Inspired by the deep night sky, thousands of hand-sewn sequins and crystals are layered across black satin, flowing like a river of stars that catches the light as you move.
Our Team
The Atelier
Leading designers and artisans, sewing your dreams with passion and focus.
Scarlett Meier
Co-Founder and Business Strategy Partner
Born in Zurich, Switzerland, and a graduate of Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK), with deep knowledge of fashion, design culture, and luxury brand operations.
Audrey Reinhardt
Creative Director
Born in New York and a graduate of Parsons School of Design, focused on the intersection of fashion design, art, and technology.
Claire Keller
Head Seamstress
A graduate of Parsons School of Design, where she majored in fashion design and built a close professional relationship with Audrey Reinhardt.
Bespoke Process
The Bespoke Process
Four steps, from the first meeting to the moment you wear the gown. Every stage has a clear timeline and deliverable.
01
Consultation
Book a Consultation
About 60 minutes, online
A one-on-one conversation with the designer to define the occasion, your personal style, and the budget, and to settle on the overall direction.
- Confirm the event date and the delivery milestones
- Agree on style, color, and fabric preferences
- Set the silhouette, craftsmanship, and budget range
- Review fabric swatches and past finished pieces
02
Design and Measurement
Measuring and Design
About 1 to 2 weeks
Precise measuring and draping, a dedicated design sketch, and a final choice of fabric, lining, trims, and hand-finished details.
- Capture 20 or more body measurements and posture notes
- Hand-draw the design and confirm the pattern details
- Choose the main fabric, lining, lace, and beadwork
- Confirm the timeline and quote and sign the order form
03
Handcrafting
Handcrafting
About 4 to 8 weeks
The pattern maker and embroiderers cut, sew, and decorate by hand, with 2 to 3 fittings along the way to refine the fit.
- Drape and hand-sew the main structure
- Hand-beading, embroidery, and three-dimensional floral work
- 2 to 3 fittings to adjust the waist, shoulders, and length
- Every change is recorded and confirmed with you
04
Fitting and Delivery
Fitting and Delivery
About 3 to 5 days
The final fitting, pressing, and care treatment, delivered with dedicated packaging and care instructions.
- Final fitting to confirm the fit and comfort of movement
- Professional pressing and finishing touches
- A dedicated garment bag, hanger, and care guide
- Ongoing alteration and care support
Services and Pricing
Services and Price Range
Every piece is made to order by hand. The final price depends on your fabric choices, the complexity of the craftsmanship, and the number of fittings.
Cocktail
Cocktail Dress
An easy, elegant choice for parties and receptions where you still want to stand out.
Starting Price
From $50,000
- What is included
- Initial style consultation
- A dedicated design sketch and fabric advice
- 1 to 2 fitting adjustments
- Fine hand-finished hems
Evening
Evening Gown
A classic long gown for formal dinners and important social occasions, elegant and refined.
Starting Price
From $50,000
- What is included
- In-depth style and occasion consultation
- Draping and a dedicated pattern
- Premium silk and custom fabric options
- 2 to 3 fittings and adjustments
- Basic hand lacework or beadwork
Red Carpet
Red Carpet Look
Built for premieres and award nights that draw strong attention, with real visual impact.
Starting Price
From $50,000
- What is included
- Design focused on red carpet impact
- Heavy embroidery and draped structure
- Three or more detailed fittings
- On-site dressing support (Los Angeles only)
- A studio fitting record and photos
Bespoke
Bespoke Haute Couture
A completely open, top-tier experience, turning a dream into reality from scratch.
Price
By Private Consultation
- What is included
- Unlimited design discussion and changes
- Globally sourced luxury fabrics
- Fully hand-draped haute couture work
- Unlimited fittings until perfect
- A dedicated wooden hanger and premium garment bag
- Lifetime basic size adjustments and care
Please note, rush work of less than 4 weeks may incur an additional rush fee.
Measurement and Tailoring
Measuring and Tailoring Detail
Accurate measurements are the foundation of every custom gown. A perfect fit begins with precise numbers and meticulous handwork.
Fit Sequence
01
Shoulder
Shoulder Width
The distance between the two shoulder points, which sets the shoulder line and the armhole structure.
02
Bust
Bust Measurement
Measured around the fullest part of the chest, keeping the tape level.
03
Waist
Waist Measurement
Measured around the narrowest part of the waist while breathing naturally.
04
Hips
Hip Measurement
Measured around the fullest part of the hips, keeping the tape level.
05
Length
Length Measurement
Measured from the shoulder point or waistline down to the desired hem.
How to Measure
- Wear close-fitting clothing. Wear light undergarments so bulky layers do not affect the numbers.
- Keep the tape level, not tight. Keep it flat and level, and leave room for one finger when reading.
- Stand naturally and relaxed. Feet together, arms down, in your everyday posture.
- Ask someone to help. The bust and back length are more accurate with a second person.
Advice by Body Type
- Hourglass. Emphasize the waist with a nipped mermaid or corseted silhouette.
- Pear. Detail on top and keep it simple below, using an A-line skirt to soften the lower body.
- Inverted Triangle. Use V necks and asymmetric shoulders, and add skirt volume to balance the shoulder.
- Rectangle. Build shape with draped folds, a belt, or layered construction.