The final day of DC Fashion Week was the Couture Fashion Show at the gorgeous Carnegie Library, and requested cocktail attire. Last January, I purchased one of the most beautiful pieces I had ever laid eyes on, and decided that this was the event that it would make its debut.
I first saw the dress with my friend Macy at a Nomad Yard, a collectiv of vintage pieces, antiques, and items from rising designers. The dress was hanging from the ceiling in the corner of the space, so I could only admire it from afar, but remember pointing it out to Macy and telling her that the dress was fabulous. We left the collectiv without trying anything on or purchasing anything, but a week later I couldn’t get it out of my mind, so I went back and did the unthinkable – I tried it on. As soon as Nomad Yard’s owner zipped it up on me I knew I was going to have to get it, it was like the dress was made for me. I left the store dressless, feeling beside myself after learning the hefty price tag that the beautiful garment came with was almost half of my monthly rent, but went to work Googling everything I possibly could about the piece.
The dress is a David Fielden, made in London in 1980 for a line of cocktail dresses exclusively for Saks Fifth Avenue. The neckline is hand embroidered with beading and pearls, the bodice has boning, and the crushed velvet skirt is supported by a layer of crisp burgundy crinoline, it’s a gorgeous garment and the photos don’t even do it justice.
A few days later and hours of phone calls seeking advice from friends, I realized that I would never be able to find this dress again, especially in my size, I caved, negotiated with the owner on pricing, and handed over my AmEx. Aside from the hole in my wallet, I’m in love with the dress and convinced that no other dress will ever live up to it, except maybe my wedding dress if that day ever comes. Even though it’s extremely flashy, I’m planning on getting as much use out of it as possible, and then passing it along to my daughter so it can stay in the family, because as far as I’m concerned, this dress is a piece of art!
My Outfit
Cocktail Dress | Nomad Yard
Clutch |Enzo Angiolini
Heels | LuLus
Bracelet | Kate Spade
Allie’s Outfit
Dress | ML Monique Lhuillier
Heels | Steve Madden
Clutch | Vintage Chanel (borrowed from my mom’s closet)
District Damsel 