A majestic empire dress with a bodice crafted from a vintage Japanese obi belt. An intricately woven koi carp - the royalty among Japanese fish - is the star of this high waist dress. Portrayed with an astonishing lifelike resemblance, it dazzles with shades of orange, red, and maroon, graciously swimming through the silver waves.
Koi fish are a powerful symbol of good luck, signifying strength, courage, patience, and success through perseverance.
This noble fish is so beloved by the Japanese that the textiles containing this traditional pattern are immediately sold out at astonishing prices. For that reason, this is the only Koi fish obi belt we managed to acquire so far, and we are thrilled to share it with you.
To give it a perfect frame, this remarkable bodice has been paired with a subtle grage skirt made from Japanese hemp linen.
The vintage yukata obi belt combines those two elements together, while chambry velvet puff sleeves and frill add femininity and movement to this empire waist dress.
The comfortable style of this maxi empire dress is perfect for everyday wear, while the elevated design and materials make it an excellent option for opulent events or special occasions.
This high waist 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 this empire style dress to fall comfortably in all the right places without drawing too much attention to any area.
This high waist maxi 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 rare and exceptional 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: 125cm / 49.2"
Shoulder Width: 34cm / 13.4"
Chest: 92cm / 36.2"
High Waist: 92cm / 36.2"
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 hemp linen
Belt: Japanese cotton and silk mix
Sleeves: 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 of 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.
