Gilded Age - Essence -True Vintage

I have a real fondness for these wonderfully structured 1990s two-pieces, and Gilded Age is a particularly striking one.

The strapless corset has that fabulous long, pointed basque waist that instantly gives the dress its period silhouette. Against the ivory satin, the elaborate gold embroidery looks almost architectural, with scrolling flowers and leaves worked across the bodice and a pearl-filled motif at the neckline.

The full skirt is comparatively simple through its length, with box pleats at the waist line, allowing the gold embroidery around the hem and train to have its moment. I particularly like the contrast – lots of beautiful, glossy ivory satin and then that unexpected detail of gold as the skirt moves. And it is long so will suit a tall bride - or can be taken up.

The original label reads simply Essense. Although the name naturally suggests Essense of Australia, I haven't found enough evidence to confidently connect this 1990s label with that company, so I'm listing it exactly as labelled rather than giving it a history it may not have. However, one would expect a label unrelated to Essense of Australia to have the spelling 'Essence' and not 'Essense', so it's a distinct possibility that this is an early iteration of this company.

An original 1990s wedding two piece for anyone who likes their vintage bridal with a bit of grandeur.

Available to try on in the Aberdeen salon or buy online with worldwide shipping.