Drapery placed where you don't expect it
On most draped dresses, the drape sits at the bust. Here the top stays perfectly smooth: a finely ribbed white knit, a stand collar and scooped armholes that leave the shoulders bare. All the movement is moved lower, into a gathered band of jersey that wraps around the hips in horizontal folds, then into a fluid panel that follows the slit down to the hem. The result is a very clean white column, animated only at hip level.
The Experience When Worn
- A clean bodice: the stretch ribbed knit follows the bust without a transverse seam, no straps or underwire to manage
- Staged hips: the folds of the drape draw the eye to the hips and visually lengthen the torso
- Free stride: the front slit opens the column skirt up to mid-thigh and the jersey panel moves with each step
- A long silhouette: the stand collar and the skirt down to the ankles extend the line from head to toe
Craftsmanship & Material
The label indicates 95% polyester and 5% elastane. The dress body is knitted in very fine ribbing, like a bandage knit: this structure of small vertical ribs gives it more body than a plain jersey and conceals small irregularities, which is valuable on a fitted white dress. The 5% elastane ensures the knit returns to shape after each movement. The drape and the panel are cut from a finer, softer jersey, so the folds fall without adding bulk over the hips.
The draped band is gathered in the side seams, which fixes its folds at a constant height: they do not ride up when you sit down. Beneath the drape, a curved seam connects the bodice to the skirt, and it is this seam that gives the skirt its straight column line. At the back, this seam dips slightly towards the centre, and a long invisible zip runs from the top of the collar to just below the hips. This design also exists in pastel yellow, and our article on the chic white dress explains why a textured knit ages better than a plain white.
Styling Tips
- Nude strappy sandals and fine gold jewellery: the summer evening version, hair up to show off the collar.
- Civil wedding or vow renewal ceremony: short bouquet, structured clutch and no necklace.
- White or camel blazer over the shoulders: for a gallery opening or dinner, the dress keeps its column line.
It has its place among our long dresses and our evening dresses.
Caring for your Piece
Wash at 30 °C on a delicate cycle, inside out and in a laundry bag to protect the ribbed knit. Wash with whites only. No tumble drying: heat weakens the elastane. Dry flat, smoothing the folds of the drape back into place by hand. Ironing is not recommended; if needed, steam from a distance, never a hot iron on the drape's jersey.
