“Over three tailors have worked on this dress non-stop”: The making of Therese Johaug's custom ByTiMo wedding dress, from start to finish

For her New Year’s Eve nuptials, Norwegian Olympic darling and four-time gold medallist skier Therese Johaug was a vision of wintery elegance in white tulle. The dress, custom designed by Oslo-based ByTiMo, was a handmade marvel of floaty fabric, delicate lace, bead work and embroidery. “The process started a year and a half before the wedding,” shares ByTimo's founder and creative director Tine Mollatt. “We have been so lucky to dress Therese over the last few years and getting to know her. Right after she got engaged, she was at our HQ to select some pieces for her summer holiday, and the conversation just naturally came to life.”

The time-consuming process started with a workshop, in which Johaug laid out her wishes and wants. “We asked if she have any particular inspiration in mind, and what kind of silhouette she felt beautiful in,” says Mollatt. At the same time, Johaug tried on the whole ByTiMo bridalwear line, to see if there was any particular shape she was more drawn too.

Related: Flower power: The mother-daughter pair bringing ByTimo into full bloom

The resulting dress was “one hundred percent custom,” made especially for her. Everything from the lace details to the handmade embroideries uniquely designed by the ByTiMo team. “We thought we had so much time; but, it was a very time consuming process to get this dress just perfect! Over three tailors have worked on this dress non-stop.” Inspired by Johaug herself and the way she moves when she skiis through the snowy landscape, it featured a smattering of beading and embroideries mimic ice crystals, sparkling just like the snow.

Related: Inside the winter wonderland nuptials of Olympic darling Therese Johaug and Nils Jakob Hoff

“We actually created two dresses for her big day,” says Mollatt. “The wedding dress, and one that she changed into at the party later in the evening.” The second dress was a ByTiMo showpiece made of layers and layers of silk organza and unique flower appliques. Appliques which the brand will introduce to the market later in 2024, when celebrating its 20th anniversary.

For ByTiMo, it means a lot to see Johaug wear the brand’s design on her big day. “Therese is the definition of the ByTiMo woman,” says Mollatt. “She is powerful, she is independent, and she stands up for what she believes in.” Seeing the photos, the team felt “so proud.” “We can see Therese’s happiness and confidence when wearing the dress.”