Green Velvet Dress and Silk Wrap for Susan

Susan asked me to make her this classic dress in stunning forest green velvet. The dramatic plunge back and colourful embellishment contrasts with the understated and simple elegance of the front.

Official photographs by?Feather & Birch Photography

The dress was cut princess line, knee length with boat neckline at the front. Susan opted for bloused sleeves in silk chiffon that finished in a narrow velvet cuff, with diamante button detail. The same chiffon was used for a draped cowl down the very low open back. Swarovski stones in jewel colours were hand sewn to the bottom of the cowl.

Susan also had a wrap made in matching velvet with a contrast gold silk collar and lining.

Original design sketch, the collar shown was taken out after the toile fitting as Susan preferred a simple neckline.

Detail of the bloused sleeve and narrow velvet cuff, finished with a diamante button

Sewing on all the Swarovski stones ion my work table. At first we were going to have them backed with this gold silk, but Susan later changed her mind and they were sewn direct to the chiffon of the dress.

Pictures from Susan’s final fitting