Those familiar with Brigette Pheloung, known online as Acquired Style, understand that her fashion choices are never “casual,” especially during the holidays. Following her viral Thanksgiving appearance in an $8,800 Parker Zinn cable-knit gown, Pheloung, who has made a tradition of extravagant holiday attire, immediately began planning her Christmas Eve ensemble.
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Inspired by a 2007 Holiday Barbie
“I loved the idea of repeating an outfit worn by a Holiday Barbie. After looking at all the iconic ones, I thought the 2007 one was perfect,” the 27-year-old content creator told PEOPLE. Pheloung partnered with Kate March, founder of the New York City-based label Undone by Kate, known for designing pieces for celebrities like Selena Gomez and Julia Fox.
A Three-Week Design Feat
The duo completed the custom gown in under three weeks, a remarkable achievement considering Undone by Kate’s typical six-month design process. The final product was a meticulous replica of the 2007 Holiday Barbie’s Mrs. Claus-inspired outfit.
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Luxurious Materials and Details
Crafted from Italian duchesse ruby satin, the gown featured faux fur trim, custom black Chantilly lace with bow motifs, and a full crinoline skirt. Pheloung completed the look with a furry white headband and opera gloves.
The Weight of Fashion
The elaborate design, weighing an estimated 6-10 pounds due to the crinoline and boning, presented some physical challenges. “It was hard to walk in after I took off my heels,” Pheloung admitted. However, she noted the dress wasn’t “too hard to hang out and chill in.” As is customary for her holiday attire, Pheloung changed outfits before dinner to protect the gown, which was likely gifted or borrowed.
The Price of a Custom Creation
The bespoke creation cost $6,000, encompassing fittings, sketches, fabrics, unlimited alterations, a prototype, and the final gown. Pheloung explained that a custom Undone by Kate piece typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000, while non-custom items are available on the company’s website for a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars.
Family Reactions and Viral Success
Pheloung’s family, dressed in their “Gap-jeans,” and her online followers were captivated by the grand reveal. A TikTok video showcasing her family’s reactions to the dress amassed over 5 million views. “My one uncle said ‘I’m not sure my jeans are fancy enough to be in the same room as you right now.’ We were all laughing,” Pheloung shared.
Looking Ahead to Next Year
With over 300 days until next Thanksgiving, Pheloung is already compiling inspiration for her next holiday ensemble. “A lot of my followers are sending me inspiration pics, so I’m keeping everything in a photo album on my phone,” she revealed.
