Flight of Fancy; Black Antique Lace Gown
This Flight of Fancy has an elegant Victorian high gothic look.
Created in the old Brighton studio from a bolt of narrow width antique silk lace and a wonderfully delicate Victorian silk lace mantilla/shawl. The lace is in immaculate shape, and in spite of its age is in perfectly supple fluid condition....it is so gossamer fine and light that it would definitely pass through a golden bangle, if not quite a ring, very easily. I identified two tiniest breaks in the lace I used for the skirt, now invisibly repaired so well I can't even find them to photograph. The bodice and skirt basque are mounted on a pale honey silk organza lining (nude effect on caucasian skins), and the skirt proper is lined with the same shade of translucent silk georgette. These silk linings both strengthen the lace to hold the shape of the gown, and take away a little of the transparency....our wonderful model Abi is wearing skin toned underwear for a particularly daring look, but you would have to be brave to do this in the real world. Or Cher, a Kardashian, Rhianna etc.... More usually it could be worn over a separate flesh coloured slip (not supplied)
The dress closes at the back with a long row of tiny buttons and worked thread loops, which accentuate the curve of the spine. The slender sleeves also close with a row of buttons at the wrist.
The skirt extends into a train, and the hem is entirely finished with a curved scalloped lace hem, carefully pieced by hand into the skirt to achieve that flawless couture finish.
Constructed with French or bound seams throughout.
The ingredients Please be aware that this completely unique piece is created from antique textiles, so the fabric may not have the complete uniformity of modern textiles, this is part of its charm. The lace is absolutely wearable, but as with any delicate fabrics, modern or antique, care should be taken when wearing to avoid snagging on jewellery or heels.
I particularly love working with antique textiles, a deliberate choice to fit in with our ethos of creating beautiful wearable garments with minimal impact on the planet.
IMPORTANT: Please be sure to read both our shipping and refund policy pages before placing an order (links to both at foot of page). By placing an order you are indicating you have read and accepted these terms. Please note there are no international returns on this piece.
Sizing
A UK size 8-10
I have given the actual garment measurements below so you can ascertain for yourself how it will work with your own measurements. Remember to double the bodice figures to give maximum circumferences, and whilst this gown is meant to be close fitting, remember to allow an amount of ease over your particular body measurements....these delicate fabrics should not be squeezed into or too much strain will be put on the seams.
**A polite request to please not order to see if you can fit into it if the measurements below make you suspect it will realistically be too tight. Attempting to fit into it in these circumstances is liable to cause damage which in turn means you wont be able to return it for a refund**
Underarm to underarm, laid flat; 44cms/ 17"
Waist, laid flat; 33cms/ 13"
Upper hip, (11cms/4" below waist) , laid flat; 45cms/ 17.5"
Full hip, laid flat ; 54cms/ 21"
Bottom of collar to front hem; 153cms/ 60”
Shown on a UK size 8 mannequin and a size UK 8/10 model
Dress length options; In order to accomodate people of varying heights I have created the pieces long. It is not a straightforward shortening job to alter the length as we don't want to lose that beautiful border....but It could be shortened by a competent seamstress by unpicking the hand stitched border and re-applying once the excess length has been removed.
Construction The robe has a full silk organza and georgette lining, but it should be noted that the overall effect is still translucent so to achieve opacity it will need to be worn over a separate slip ( not supplied)
Care; This lace and silk gown should be dry-cleaned by an evening wear specialist only.
Sustainability Every time a piece is purchased a donation is made via Ecologi to fund the planting of 10 trees and make a positive net contribution to combatting climate change. The trees are environmentally high value and part of gold standard schemes designed and managed to benefit local communities.
Packaging Garments are dispatched in acid free tissue paper and recyclable cardboard boxes sealed with kraft paper eco tape. These are placed inside pouches (for weather protection during transit) which are made entirely from an environmentally friendly compostable bio-plastic created from sugar-cane.
