Lady in Red - Droopy and Browns - True Vintage

Angela Holmes, the designer behind Droopy & Browns, was never going to make a dress for someone who wanted to blend into the wallpaper. And this extraordinary silk creation rather proves the point. 

Originally ivory, this authentic vintage silk gown has been transformed into the most glorious, unapologetic red. And what a transformation! 

The fitted bodice has a beautifully shaped waist and an embroidered central panel with delicate floral detailing and tiny pearls. But I think the sleeves might be my favourite part. Enormous puffed shoulders sit either off or on the shoulder (they have an unusual tie gathering rather than elastic which shows the level of detail in this gown) before narrowing into long fitted sleeves, complete with little covered buttons at the pointed wrists. Very romantic, rather theatrical and absolutely typical of the historical influences that made Droopy & Browns such an interesting British fashion label. And their gowns were all made in Yorkshire - no Chinese imports here!

At the back, there's a beautifully pointed waist and a long row of 28 covered buttons and loops over the fastening. It's the sort of detail that reminds me why I love vintage dressmaking.

This is a fabulous alternative wedding dress for a bride who has never fancied wearing white, but I can equally imagine it at a winter ball, a grand country house celebration or any occasion where making an entrance is positively encouraged.

An original Droopy & Browns by Angela Holmes gown, made from 100% silk and subsequently dyed from its original cream. It was a brave move by the original bride and she' made a fantastic job of it. There are only a couple of give aways - the silk has all dyed evenly (not patchy) but the plyester thread it's sewn with remains ivory. This is not an issue as these stitches are on the inside of the dress. Likewise, the zip has stayed ivory - it's not particularly visible and as it's a short zip to the waist it would be super easy to replace. (Although I do like that she's painted the zip puller red with nail varnish to hide it!) The onlt part where the dye hasn't taken 100% is at the gathering inside the sleeve gathering - but again, this is on the inside and can't be seen when worn. 

The dress comes with a voluminous net petticoat.

It truly is a Must See!

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