This dress is so unique and so beautiful. One of a kind, new and unworn. I originally purchased this dress from Nelder Jones in Paddington, Sydney – it had just been finished that day and I fell in love with it as soon as I saw it. Whilst I was originally planning to get married in April, circumstances required me to push back the wedding until later in the year so I needed to get a dress that was a little warmer and, alas, could no longer wear this dress.

This is the perfect Spring/Summer/Autumn gown for a vintage/50s style bride who likes to show off her shoes and her waist.

The Bodice:
The bodice is boned and is made of silk with antique lace appliqué. The lace had been purchased at an antique store by the dressmaker many years ago and she had been saving it until a suitable design came to mind. I had a local dressmaker insert a fabulous elastic internal belt (that can be let out one size later in the day when photos are over) and it brings the waist in beautifully!

The Skirt:
The skirt is a multi-layered work of art. Ballerina/tea length (depending on your height) the skirt has a petticoat, a layer of heavy thai silk, a layer of silk georgette and then two layers of soft tulle.

The Alterations:
There have been some significant changes made to the original gown. Whilst marked as a 12, the dress has been taken in and will probably suit a size 10. Changes could be made to suit an 8, 10 or 12. I had a dress-maker in South Yarra add the cap sleeves and alter the bodice so that it is more of a sweetheart neckline (previously straight and strapless). The sleeves could easily be removed if you prefer a strapless gown. As previously mentioned, an inner elastic belt has also been added to make the waist teeny tiny.

The Feel:
Because this dress has been made by hand using antique lace, it has a very artisan/original look to it. The lace over the shoulders has been cut in different ways so it looks a bit different on either side (it’s the same lace just cut in a different spot) - if you want something exactly uniform and symmetrical then this might not be the dress for you. If you want something no-one else has ever or will ever wear, this is the dress for you! The dress is very well made using traditional dressmaking methods.