Royal Progress - Chi Mia by Jenny Radford - True Vintage

I do have a soft spot for British bridal from the late eighties and early nineties. Designers weren't frightened of using beautiful fabrics or giving a dress a bit of presence, and this Chi Mia gown by Jenny Radford has both in abundance.

Cut from ivory raw silk, it has that lovely weight and gentle rustle that synthetic fabrics have never quite managed to copy. The sweetheart neckline sits above a deep basque waist at both the front and back, while wonderfully full leg o' mutton sleeves taper neatly to buttoned points over the wrists. Every seam across the bodice and each panel of the skirt is outlined with fine gold raw silk piping. It's a glorious detail.

The beadwork is exactly what I'd hope to find on a gown of this age. Tiny mother of pearl leaves, seed pearls and little flashes of Aurora Borealis crystals are scattered through the centre panels, catching the light without overwhelming the silk. The same delicate decoration appears again around the front hem and on the generous bow and flowing tails at the back, tying everything together beautifully.

The skirt is gloriously full and finishes with a sweeping train that moves exactly as a silk ballgown should. It's unmistakably of its era, and I wouldn't change a thing. Dresses like this weren't made to blend into the background, and more than thirty years later it's still a wonderful example of British bridal design.

She's preloved and in great condition.

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