A Neckline You Adjust as You Wear It
Everything depends on the narrow elasticated band that edges the neckline. Pulled down onto the arms, it bares the shoulders and collarbones and creates the bardot line of a holiday dress. Pulled up, it becomes a wide round neckline that can be worn during the day without a second thought. The balloon sleeves follow the same elastic, the gathered bodice tightens under a fine tie knotted at the centre, and a sash tied at the back shapes the waist. A short white dress, easy to slip on, that adapts to the way you want to wear it.
The Wearing Experience
- Two necklines in one: the elastic sits just as well on the upper arms as it does pulled up onto the shoulders, with no straps to hide
- A waist you can adjust: the two ties sewn at the sides knot at the back: tighter to define the waist, looser for a softer look
- Sleeves that stay in place: the balloon volume is held above the elbow by an elastic that does not slip when you raise your arms
- A skirt that does not cling: gathered at the waist and lightweight, it stops at mid-thigh and moves freely with every step
Craftsmanship & Material
The fabric is a weave of 50% viscose and 50% polyester, as stated on the label. The viscose provides a soft drape and a cool feel on the skin; the polyester keeps the gathers in shape and limits creasing at the end of the day. The slightly textured surface of this weave also has a practical advantage: the small creases from wearing blend in rather than showing. To understand how each fibre changes the drape and the care, our guide viscose or polyester for a dress compares the two materials in detail.
The bodice construction is that of a revisited milkmaid dress: two gathered cups meet at the centre in a small V, beneath which a smooth waist panel, set on vertical seams, holds the torso like a light corset. The skirt is gathered onto this waist, creating the contrast between a fitted top and a full bottom. The dress closes with an invisible zip at the centre back, and the two waist ties start from the side seams to knot above the skirt.
Styling Tips
- Flat leather sandals and a wicker basket: the holiday version, neckline pulled down onto the shoulders.
- Low-heeled mules and gold hoop earrings: for a terrace lunch or a summer town hall ceremony, neckline pulled up.
- Denim jacket or short ivory knit cardigan knotted over the shoulders when the evening turns cool.
It complements our selection of white dresses and the short dresses range. The same design is available in lemon yellow and in black.
Caring for Your Piece
Gentle wash at 30 °C, inside out, preferably in a laundry bag, or hand wash. No bleach, no tumble drying: viscose shrinks with heat. Squeeze gently without twisting and dry on a hanger; the gathered bodice regains its shape as it dries. Iron on a low setting inside out, or simply steam to remove creases; do not press the balloon sleeves with the iron, just plump them up by hand.
