Black in two fabrics
This long dress combines two blacks that look nothing alike. The body is a figure-skimming sheath in slightly lustrous stretch jersey, cut straight above the bust and gathered at the sides. Everything above it, high neck, upper bodice and shoulders, is in eyelash lace, like a little one-piece cape that falls over the arms as cap sleeves. At the bottom, the jersey ends on a bias across the thighs and gives way to a long unlined lace skirt, slit at the side, that falls to the ankles. At the back, three buttons close the neck at the nape and the lace opens across the back.
The Wearing Experience
- A neckline that dresses you: the lace high neck and its small ruffle replace a necklace, so there is nothing to add at the throat
- Strategic sheerness: the lace stays at the shoulders and on the legs, while the bodice and hips are in solid jersey
- A back that reveals itself: beneath the three buttons at the nape, the lace opens into two scalloped wings across the upper back
- Easy movement: the side slit of the skirt gives the ease of a natural stride despite the close-fitting cut
Craftsmanship & Materials
The label indicates 95% polyester and 5% elastane. In the sheath's jersey, the elastane does all the work: the dress has no straps, the jersey stays up over the bust thanks to its elastic return, and the gathers at the side seams absorb movement without showing. The eyelash lace takes its name from its tapered edges left as fringe, which finish the neck, the edge of the bodice, the back wings and the hem without any sewn hem.
The construction shows in two places. At the top, the lace is a one-piece insert, neck included, laid with a slight overlap over the right edge of the jersey: it is this scalloped edge that creates the cape effect. At the bottom, the seam between jersey and lace is cut on a bias, lower on one side than the other, which lengthens the leg and breaks the symmetry of a classic evening dress. To compare evening lace dresses, our article on the lace evening dress details their differences.
Styling Tips
- Black satin pumps and onyx studs: the gala version, a low bun to reveal the neck and back.
- Slim-strap sandals and a bold red lipstick: for a cocktail or festive dinner.
- A long black coat draped over the shoulders on arrival, removed to show the back.
It joins our evening dresses, our long dresses and our black dresses.
Caring for Your Piece
Hand wash in cold water or machine wash at 30 °C on a delicate cycle, dress turned inside out and placed in a laundry bag: the fringe of the eyelash lace must not catch. No bleach, no tumble drying. Dry flat. Never iron the lace directly: a steam refresh held at a distance is sufficient.
