Vibrant and cheerful this efervescent empire dress is an invitation to feel playful and light-hearted.
This high waist dress features an extraordinary collage of patterns, shapes and textile styles. The eye-catching bodice is embellished with pictures of Japanese hair combs and pins. These implements are not mere decorations, but hold a powerful esoteric meaning, as in ancient times, people would brush their hair as a ritual believing that each strand held spiritual energy.
The skirt is made of a dazzling, precious shibori dyed vintage kimono. Shibori patterns are created by minutely binding the fabric to create a pinpoint or dot-like pattern, then dying it by hand. Shibori textiles are very time consuming to produce and require great skill, so the garments created from them are very expensive and highly prized. The lavish look of the skirt is further elevated by gold metallic thread embroidery.
The woven yukata obi belt with contrasting silk piping combines this exquisite skirt and bodice together, while velvet puff sleeves and frill add femininity and movement to this empire waist dress.
The comfortable style of this high waist maxi dress is perfect for everyday wear, while the elevated design and materials make it an excellent option for opulent events or special occasions.
This empire style dress has a fitted bodice and wide skirt that flatter an array of different body types. The more form-fitting style opening to a loose and flowy silhouette allows the dress to fall comfortably in all the right places without drawing too much attention to any area.
This maxi empire dress is fully lined with the highest grade cotton cupro fabric, breathable and luxuriously smooth, and has an invisible zip at the back.
A truly historical and special piece of handmade, vintage art, and - like all of our creations - it is absolutely unique and will never be made again.
APPROXIMATE SIZE: S/M, 36/38 EU size
BEFORE PURCHASING, please pay special attention to the measurements given in the listing (and in the pictures) to decide if it will be a good fit for you. Also, please be extra careful checking the length of the empire dress!
MEASUREMENTS (also marked on the pictures)
Please note that since each dress is made entirely by hand, sizing can vary slightly.
Total Length: 123cm / 48.4"
Shoulder Width: 35cm / 13.7"
Chest: 90cm / 35.4"
High Waist: 90cm / 35.4"
Hips : 200cm / 78.7"
Sleeve: 28cm / 11"
Model hight: 165cm, size 36/38 Europen size
FABRIC
Bodice - front panel: 100% Japanese silk
Bodice - side panels and back: 100% Japanese hemp linen
Skirt: 100% Japanese silk
Belt: Japanese cotton and silk mix
Sleeves and frill: Japanese poliester velvet
Lining: 100% Japanese Bemberg cupro lining made from cotton (read more about the lining)
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
Here are a few things to know to keep your beautiful new empire dress looking its best:
- Dry clean only
- Silk hates moisture, so keep your piece in a dry space with optimal air circulation allowing it to air out each time you wear it. (read more about storing)
- DO NOT GET WET – silk gets water stains.
- Lightly spraying with a fabric freshener is okay.
- Iron on medium with steam through a cloth.
Please note: All the items in our store are created using vintage pieces that can be over 60+ years old and do have signs of wear. Loose embroidery threads, minor stains, and minimal fading are normal in our garments.
Many of these kimonos have been stored away for years and can still have a slight mothball scent even after our rigorous cleaning process. This usually goes unnoticed but may bother those who are sensitive to those kinds of smells.
Actual colors may vary. Due to computer monitors displaying colors differently, actual colors our high waist dresses may vary. We try extremely hard to ensure our photos are as life-like as possible, but please understand the actual color may differ slightly from your monitor. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that the color you see on the monitor accurately portrays the true color of the product.
