There is no doubt - this is my totally favourite dress at the moment. (apart from the Vivienne of course..)

It's a timeless and elegant design - inspired by an original dress that crossed my path and begged me to own when i was searching for something akin to the designs by Dorothy O'hara.

Dorothy O'hara was known for being a prominent designer at Paramount Studios throughout the 1940s. So she was designing many costumes for films but also went on to develop her own fashion label which thrived through the late 40s and 50s. Her designs were designed to flatter the female figure with a focus on strong shoulders and a slim waist and hip - using clever draping techniques.  I would love to own one of her 1940s dresses - a dream dress that would probably be a museum piece now!

I knew i wanted an elegant 1940s cocktail dress in the collection - one that used some of the draping techniques that seemed more prominent in the american styles. I turned to O'hara for inspiration - even though the majority of her dresses were full length and/or occasion wear that demanded a lot of labour. So the challenge was to create a beautiful dress with plenty od the signature details but still fitting in a specific price point.

I like asymmetry but i also try to keep the lines simple because detail can be 'overdone'.  I also appreciate well fitting garments and good fabric.

What I love about this dress...

It simply makes the most of the feminine physique and flatters whilst still being demure. There is an air of mystique about it.

It's timeless and will suit many ages and shapes.

The asymmetrical style lines are interesting and create wonderful shapes - i love the ruching at the right side of the bust that is mirrored by the ruching and drapes at the left hip.

It's got sleeves! (and we've shaped them with two darts)

It makes you feel like a million dollars!

Enjoy xx Clare

The O'hara dress in red: http://www.thehouseoffoxy.com/1940s-fashion/40s-o-hara-cocktail-dress-red