The Dress

From the permanent collection of french designer Delphine Manivet, The ALEXIS dress features a round neckline, ¾ sleeves and pockets on the side. The bottom of the dress is flared in a “corolle” style with horizontal tucks. It is made of triple silk organza and tulle. The dress is lined with silk pongee. It features invisible pockets. Please note that optional crinoline (wooden frame) is sold separately, and I do not have that piece. The crinoline was lovely for the pictures, but I had to take it off for the reception as it swung up like a bell when anyone got close to me and it was difficult to fit between the tables.

The sizing is deceptive! I'm a true 8 in American sizes. If it's not an 8, it doesn't fit, period. I was told this dress was really the equivalent of a 10 when I bought it. The sales rep advised me to purchase one size up to leave space for tailoring. If you look at the Delphine sales chart, you'll see that my measurements match just the high side of 8, except under the chest which is a 10. The fabric is structured, so it makes sense to go slightly up in size around the lungs, so that they can expand and contract.

Here are my measurements:
My waist is 75 cm, may have been slightly smaller last summer but I don't think so.
Chest size 95 cm
80 under chest
101 low hips

Alterations: The seamstress, who works full time for Hermes or some other ultra posh designer, took in the side seams and the bodice seams a few millimeters at most. She may have done the same to the shoulders. I believe she was able to leave the fabric to be let out in the future, but I can't remember for sure. She ended up charging me half of the quoted tailoring price because there was so little work.

Product details :
Triple organza silk – 100% silk
Tulle – 100% polyamide
Silk pongee lining – 100% silk

Professionally dry-cleaned at Jeeves New York.

Barely altered. Perfect condition. It was a short, daytime wedding so I didn't have time to damage it. Can be dyed in future and reworn as formal wear.

Here is some press on this hot designer:

https://www.delphinemanivet.com/en/vanity-fair

http://www.harpersbazaar.com/wedding/bridal-fashion/a15108/delphine-manivet/