The Dress

I purchased this dress in NZ just as the long frills were entering the fashion market in Europe. I had become rather obsessed by them and had considered trying to locate one in Europe whilst I was there on business for 8 weeks prior to the wedding in Santorini.
Luckily I had a lovely assistant who’s eyes just lit up once she had matched me to THE dress, she raced out with excitement to retrieve it....meanwhile I was hovering over and contemplating playing with the safe dresses, but I didn’t look like a bride, they were flimsy and just flopped. So I said come on just for a laugh I will try it on, and better see what your talking about...well like we both were actually rather taken back by it’s effect, I didn’t laugh, but she did cry as it took our breath away. It was actually the one, she said that dress needed you in it and just like that my outsides matched my insides and to be fair its not even that wild. Besides the point, a girl needs a big dress for her big day, so I went out and proud and owned it and felt like a true princess.
So getting to the specifics, the base petticoat is tulle (no wire) Which provides the volume for the organza frills to get all crazy and take over. But just when you thought it was gunna turn into a layer cake, there was a strategically placed piece of asymmetrical taffeta to gather up all the bumps from excess fabric and zips. With this being placed so low I helps with flattening the hips and tummy, but still be able to breath. So with this already being an A-line style is naturally the most flattering shape. The gathering comes up to meet the beautiful hand-beaded, fully boned bodice, that laces up the back with satin ribbon, wonderful for when you have no idea if it will fit me in 8 weeks time. So I would say that it would fit anywhere between a NZ size 8 - NZ size 12, it’s a rather versatile design. Due sloping to Santorini for our special day it was a party for the two of us, no dancing in it or red wine spills or rips from people standing on your train. It was zipped back up in its special cover and straight to the dry cleaners that week we arrived back in NZ. I can also guarantee that it has been handled and stored as per recommendations as it has been at the bridal store for 2 years waiting for me to collect it.

Alterations

The length wasn’t altered much as I had it hemmed with 14 inch stilettos on, so plenty xtra to play with.
I did however change the sweetheart neckline to a straight cuffed and had diamanté’s sewn on and a beaded filler fabric to adjust the neckline, it would easily be removed if you prefer the sweetheart neckline