Hand-Embroidered Black Floral Silk Velvet Puff-Sleeve Dress

As seen inBritish Vogue · Tatler · Grazia

Made to order. Each Velvet Atelier dress is hand-embroidered in Vietnam and produced in very small numbers. Your order will be with you within 3 weeks, including UK delivery time — order confirmation sent by email within 24 hours.

The Florence has the manners of a vintage dress and the ease of a modern one — soft puffed sleeves, a graceful neckline, and a single posy of flowers stitched at the hip.

Cut from black silk velvet, the Florence trades the bare slip for something a little more covered, a little more romantic. Short sleeves gather into a gentle puff at the shoulder; the V neckline is soft and flattering; the body is fitted neatly to a full maxi length.

At the hip, a posy of flowers is embroidered entirely by hand — pink wild roses opening from pale centres, sprigs of soft-blue forget-me-nots, fresh green leaves and a single coral bud. It is a small, complete arrangement, placed like a corsage pinned just so.

Styling. Pearl earrings and a pearl necklace are all the jewellery it needs. Wear with heeled sandals or court shoes, and add a velvet or silk wrap for cooler evenings.

Craftsmanship. Each Velvet Atelier dress is hand-embroidered in Vietnam by heritage artisan makers. The floral posy is drawn into the velvet flower by flower in fine thread, and every dress is produced in a very limited run — each one subtly its own.

Occasion. Autumn and winter weddings, christenings, dinners, the theatre and special celebrations. A graceful choice for wedding guests and for the mother of the bride.

• Fabric: Black silk velvet with a soft, light-catching pile — 30% mulberry silk, 70% viscose. Most fabric sold as “silk velvet” contains around 18% silk; ours carries nearly twice that, which is what gives the pile its depth and the way it holds the light.
• Embroidery: Hand-embroidered floral posy at the hip: pink wild roses, soft-blue forget-me-nots, green foliage and a coral bud.
• Silhouette: Fitted body with a soft V neckline and short, gathered puff sleeves; full maxi length.
• Fit: Neatly fitted — cut close to the body and runs small; size up if you are between sizes. Available in UK sizes 8, 10, 12 and 14 (US 4–10 · EU 36–42 · DE 34–40).
• Occasion: Autumn and winter weddings, christenings, dinners and celebrations.
• Handmade: Hand-embroidered in Vietnam in a very limited run; each piece subtly unique.
• Care: Specialist dry clean only. Store on a padded hanger away from sunlight; steam gently to refresh the pile.