Owner of Petit Versailles, on Stodman Street, Newark designs dressed inspired by Royal gown worn by Queen Elizabeth I, which was worn at Venice Carnival

A popular designer and seamstress has helped a customer realise a long-held Venice Carnival dream by making her first-ever historical costume.

Hajra Kemari, the owner of Petit Versailles on Stodman Street, has designed a dress inspired by a famous gown worn by Queen Elizabeth I.

The shop’s regular customer Sue Lay, a member of the Newark Steampunk Society, had a ‘long-held’ dream to go to the Venice Carnival, where she wore and displayed the Newark-designed dress.

The dress, inspired by designer Bob Mackie’s creations from 1999, mixed with Hajra’s ideas, took over two months to complete.

It was hand stitched, and several fittings later, Sue Lay made it to Venice, where this year the Carnival celebrates its 300th year.

Hajra said: “This is my first time making a historical costume, and because it meant so much to Sue, it had to be so perfect, so very special.

“If I needed any further proof that the dress was right for my client, it had to be from the daily messages of pure joy that I have been receiving from Sue as she lived her best life and dream at the Venice Carnival.

“To see a little part of Newark sharing in its proud celebration is unbelievable, I’m still pinching myself,” said Hajra.

From the middle of March, the dress will be back in town and will be displayed in the windows of Petit Versailles.

Hajra added: “Sue has been photographed by the world’s best photographers in Venice and has been chauffeured to the best locations for various photoshoots.

“She has been treated royally, as befits someone dressed like a Queen.

“Customer care is key for me. and it is imperative that I have empathy and 100% understand the client’s needs.

“It is this philosophy that secures a happy outcome and takes time and I never forget that I am dealing with clients’ dreams, and for this particular client her dream was placed entirely in my hands.”