Dresses

Evening and occasion dresses kept for the cloth and the cut. Silk, satin, chiffon, taffeta, organza and lace — a good part of it bespoke or tailor-made rather than labelled.

The silhouettes are the vocabulary. A slip dress hangs from a narrow strap and is usually cut on the bias. A sheath follows the body without a defined waist seam. Halter and one-shoulder cuts carry the weight on the neck or a single shoulder rather than across the bust. Grecian and goddess dresses are draped and pleated rather than fitted. Bustier styles are structured through the bodice, and an A-line widens steadily from the shoulder. Lengths run maxi, midi and mini.

Fabric decides how a dress ages. Pure silk, satin and chiffon move and catch light but mark easily. Taffeta and organza hold their structure instead of draping. Sequin, beadwork and crystal trim sit on the surface, which makes them the first thing to look at on an older piece. Prints run paisley, floral, leopard and other animal, tropical, ombré and swirl.

Each dress here is one of one. When it is gone, it is gone.