This is a one off custom dress designed and made by the Australian fashion label CAMILLA AND MARC. Camilla and Marc is a contemporary fashion brand that does not normally do bridal or custom gowns however, as a long time associate of the designers and through my boutique Joy Hysteric (www.joyhysteric.com.au) which stocked the brand for many years, I was lucky enough that they fulfilled my special request to design and make my dream dress for me.

My brief to Camilla Freeman was that I wanted a romantic, vintage-inspired dress that I would be comfortable in and that wouldn't date. I was presented with 4 design options of which I chose this particular one (I only wish I still had the original sketches but unfortunately they have since been lost).

The dress is a loose fit, babydoll style featuring French lace bodice (unlined) dotted with lace 'rosettes' all over the front which provide enough coverage that I did not wear anything underneath. The rosettes carry through to the shoulder straps and follow the scoop of the low back. A pale blush coloured, permanent pleat skirt with raw edge is attached from below the bust/at high waist and cascades to the floor with slight train. It is very long and I did not have time to alter it so still sits on the floor even when I wear 3 inch heels and I am 165cm in height.

Slip on style and would easily fit a size 6 to 10 as there is plenty of fabric yet the weight of the skirt keeps the dress fluid, letting it hang off the body rather than adding volume or bulk. I was between a 6-8 when I wore this dress. I am now an 8-10 and it still fits me beautifully.

8 years on, I think it is just as beautiful and still very current and 'on trend', yet classic in true 'Camilla and Marc' style. The dress has simply been hanging in a garment bag, in storage ever since and although I have considered shortening it to wear as a cocktail dress for other occasions, it is just too beautiful as is to cut.

Please feel free to contact me for additional photos :)