The Dress

This Le Spose di Gio designer dress is from the Classica collection (model CL07), bought from the UK boutique in SW1 London, and custom fitted by Le Spose di Gio at its HQ in Italy.

The brand describes it as "Classic and timeless, with a sinuous bodice with V neckline in chiffon and soft skirt in organza, wrapped around front." And it is still currently sold by the designer. It's incredibly elegant, and very cool and comfortable to wear.

The dress consists of a layered chiffon and organza body that has a ruched look, making it incredibly flattering around the waist. It's zip is invisible at the back with the addition of multiple small satin buttons that have elasticated loops to secure them in place and create a seamless look. The straps can be worn on or off the shoulder. The lightweight organza skirt flows beautifully, and has a satin underlay that feels like silk. The dress is finished with an understated, but stunning sparkly removeable sash that can be worn using the two subtle loopholes around the waist, or simply draped down the side as pictured. It also has two fairly large detachable flowers that incorporate hooks to fasten in place if desired.

I was adamant about wearing a white dress, but was won over by this beautifully subtle shade of pale pink. I also had skin coloured cups stitched into the chest, so it can be worn without the need for a strapless/backless bra.

I'm 5ft6" and wore the dress with 5" heels, but the length of the dress is 63" without heels. The bodice is lovely and stretchy, so it moulds to your body in a very flattering way. When measuring the dress flat, without trying it on, the bust is 30", waist is 26" and hips is 30", but as it is a stretchy fabric, it gives by approximately 3-4 inches, hence the measurements above (not in this description) that are actually my own body measurements, so it could be customised to your particular size if needed.

I hope these extra details are of help, but please, if you have any queries regarding size and the alterations stated below, please do send me a message.

Alterations

Professional alterations were made after I wore the dress to my June 2013 wedding, as I thought I would wear it as a cocktail dress or similar afterwards. The length of organza skirt has therefore been shortened, so there is no train, so the reduced price dictates this. However, there is still the original pretty draped piece of fabric in tact, that wraps around the front and secures at the back with a loophole over any of the buttons, or using the bustle ties underneath. I have the excess fabrics that were trimmed off from the alterations, incase you may like to utilise them to be made into something like a garter for example. It has also been professionally dry cleaned.