"Gravity defying sleeves" cling precipitously on the outermost edges of your shoulders, giving you a flattering, wide V line at the neck and shoulders while making the waist appear smaller.

Bodice is engineered for unstoppable cling and has slinky draping all the way to your waist.

One of a kind embroidery is done on this dress using a trove of little embellishments collected over the years; finely crocheted flowers, tiny ribbon roses, handmade soutache flowers, glass beads, silk ribbon embroidery, faux micro chrysanthemums. Highly textural and reminiscent of 40's gown embellishments. Also available without the embroidery.

Dress color is a distinct antique white or almond rather than a cream. The fabric is completely matte and was hand-woven for us on a cotton warp using the finest quality, heavy silk fiber weft. We indulged ourselves in importing this dreamy silk fiber.

The result is a fabric that has a true vintage drape and look rather than skimping on silk fiber like modern silk fabric manufacturers. As the prices of silk rise the fabric gets thinner and no longer has that substantial weight that vintage purists love. The fabric is rapidly running out of stock and may be irreplaceable, so request a swatch and reserve your fabric quickly.

3/4 circle skirt is slimming and just right for crinolines and pouf without the volume becoming overwhelming.

See the fabric "in person" and request a swatch! Of course you also need to request a loaner bodice to be sure the dress will fit you before purchasing.

We have shown this dress with and without the matching belt with genuine mother of pearl buckle we copied from an antique store original. Belt comes with the dress.

As the fabric is so substantial -and we assume you will wear a crinoline- a so we have omitted the additional weight and bulk of a lining. Crinoline is not included but we can tell you where to buy the most authentic petticoat.