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Elegant and classy midi dress, cut on the bias, a technique popularized by Madame Vionnet in the wild days of Art Deco emancipation and excess attributed to flappers, brought back to the limelight in the 90s by John Galliano who, I believe does not need an introduction here.
Écru velvet in a mock shagreen, or perhaps a play on the popular ditsy florals of 1940s Vichy, made with the devoré technique, a specialty of the undisputed capital of European woven silk, Lyon.
Typical of Galliano, a wild mix of historical references executed in expensive fabrics and, nowadays, considered wasteful cuts. This particular number is 1940s-inspired, one of the designer’s favorite periods, made in a very delicate and tactile color palette of the 21st century.
Short sleeves balance the deep V décolletage, bringing attention to the bust while simultaneously giving a modest feel, a masterful exercise in coquetry. The pleated front detail covers the belly area while enhancing the bust, giving the needed coverage in the right places.
Lined to allow the freedom of wearing nude without feeling revealed, or the need for complicated underwear solutions, while being skin-tight, “melting onto the body fit”, guaranteed by cutting the fabric on the bias.
A perfect number for a bride looking for relief from corsets and acres of cheap, machine-made lace, duchess satin, and plastic hoops, or a bridesmaid who doesn’t want to take the spotlight but instead be the classy aperitif before the main course.
Pair with dramatic costume jewelry in gold and strass, or a futuristic fascinator to overshadow at the races.
A no-brainer for any cocktail, with killer heels to excite or ballet flats to appear fragile and innocent…