Wednesday 11 June 2014

Botanical Beauties - silk cocktail dresses

alexandra king

alexandra king

alexandra king

alexandra king

alexandra king


Botanical silk dresses - it happens to be the week for blooms with the Chelsea flower show and so many gorgeous flowers popping out like beauty spots in gardens.

I had been hoarding these printed silks for some time, waiting for the Summer and an occasion to turn them into something worthy of their impressive floral prints. With the inspiration of Charles James and being in the mood to see real dressing up, I set on these three designs. 

The first as a classic 1950s silhouette, a tightly fitted bodice and full skirt displaying the beautiful print of red tulips. A separate collar can be draped in various ways, I always like having options when styling and I can never decide when two styles look equally good. Strapless or framed it can be worn however. 

The gold silk was quite a find, the red roses against the gold look so bright and dramatic. The over skirt is taken from those 1950s fashion photographs of couture designs like Dior and Balenciaga. They look so theatrically elegant. Just imagine entering a room or descending a grand staircase,  long silky limbs on show with this skirt following. 

The last of the tulip silk was used for a strong hourglass cut with plunging sweetheart neckline and wiggle pencil skirt emulating Marylins 1950s curves. A black tulle over skirt feminises the look tuning the dress from bombshell to balletic. 

I love the way dresses can completely transform someone into a fantasy figure and wish I could see more drama dressing on the streets. These aren't just blend into the background dresses they are throw on and look spectacular dresses.

Each a one of a kind, all ready in the shop for your perusal.