The Dress

DESIGN:

I fell in love with the beautiful, intricate pearl neck piece at Ameline Vitale before I found a dress. I loved the vintage feel to it and set about finding the perfect dress to show it off. Ameline recommended the Elyse design, which we then modified to make the neck piece the star of the show. We removed the sleeves and cut a low back, opened up the neckline to a low V, and attached a gorgeous pearl-and-crystal detail to each shoulder. We added a thin waisted belt in the same ivory silk-satin fabric as the rest of the gown, to add a feature to the front. But the show-stopping element of this gown is definitely the neck piece. Originally a necklace, it is made up of many delicate strands of pearls and crystal beads, with a couple of chandelier details. Instead of wearing it at the front, Ameline attached it to the back of the dress, to add interest to the low cut back. It is just beautiful!

SIZING AND CUT:

This gown is smaller at the top and waist (size 6-8), and slightly more generous around the hip (size 10). It is a fitted sheath silhouette with a slight trumpet towards the bottom of the skirt, with an elegant (but not oversized!) train. It also has a handy loop to avoid dragging on the floor, and can bustle at the back when it's time for dancing. I am approximately 170cm tall (though the hem length accounts for heels).

This gown was perfectly comfortable for a Perth wedding in January. It was lightweight and easy to move in.

The dress has been dry cleaned by Syndals and has been professionally preserved. Syndals did a great job - the gown is completely stain free!

Though I am sad to part with such a magnificent gown, I would be happy to know it is bringing someone else as much joy on their wedding day as it brought me. It is truly a one-of-a-kind dress, perfect for an elegant bride looking for something totally original and still classically beautiful. I also have a very simple floor-length veil to sell, which was the perfect length and weight for the dress.

I live in Melbourne's South East and would be more than happy to hear from any interested brides to arrange a try-on, or to send more photos!