Irulan

Dense fabric holds its shape unaided: the body is gathered in soft draping that runs diagonally from the bust to the hip and leads the eye down to the skirt. The silhouette is narrow to mid-thigh, then the fabric opens in a calm wedge and continues into a train. As you walk the skirt moves in one large wave, without fuss, and the light slides along it in long bands - which is exactly how the dress reads crossing a room and in a photograph.

The upper line is open: a portrait neckline sits on the shoulders and opens in a shallow point at the chest. The dropped sleeves are gathered into full folds that give width to the shoulder and balance the narrow lower half. The pleats on the bodice are laid by hand and secured in soft rounded flutes. An extra panel from the hip lies over the skirt and runs into the train, adding depth where the fabric gathers on the floor.

A dress for a celebration indoors - a hall with tall windows, parquet, evening light. We make it to your measurements: the fit of the bodice and the waistline are adjusted, the skirt length chosen for your heel, the train length and the volume of the sleeves regulated, and the shade of white picked out - from cool white to warm creamy ivory.