In stock and ready to ship. Each Velvet Atelier dress is hand-embroidered in Vietnam and produced in very small numbers, held in our UK warehouse and dispatched promptly — order confirmation sent by email within 24 hours.

The Florence has the manners of a vintage dress and the ease of a modern one — soft puffed sleeves, a graceful neckline, and a single posy of flowers stitched at the hip.

Cut from black silk velvet, the Florence trades the bare slip for something a little more covered, a little more romantic. Short sleeves gather into a gentle puff at the shoulder; the V neckline is soft and flattering; the body is fitted neatly to a full maxi length.

At the hip, a posy of flowers is embroidered entirely by hand — pink wild roses opening from pale centres, sprigs of soft-blue forget-me-nots, fresh green leaves and a single coral bud. It is a small, complete arrangement, placed like a corsage pinned just so.

The puffed sleeve gives the Florence its character — softly structured, never costume — while the fitted body and maxi skirt keep the line long and elegant.

Styling. The dress carries itself. Pearl earrings and a pearl necklace, as styled here, are all the jewellery it needs. Wear with heeled sandals or court shoes, and add a velvet or silk wrap for cooler evenings.

Craftsmanship. Each Velvet Atelier dress is hand-embroidered in Vietnam by heritage artisan makers. The floral posy is drawn into the velvet flower by flower in fine thread, and every dress is produced in a very limited run — each one subtly its own.

Occasion. Autumn and winter weddings, christenings, dinners, the theatre and special celebrations. A graceful choice for wedding guests and for the mother of the bride, and for anyone drawn to artisan fashion with a vintage soul.

• Fabric: Black silk velvet with a soft, light-catching pile.
• Embroidery: Hand-embroidered floral posy at the hip: pink wild roses, soft-blue forget-me-nots, green foliage and a coral bud.
• Silhouette: Fitted body with a soft V neckline and short, gathered puff sleeves; full maxi length.
• Sleeves: Short puff sleeves, softly gathered at the shoulder.
• Fit: Neatly fitted through the body. Available in UK sizes 8, 10, 12 and 14.
• Occasion: Autumn and winter weddings, christenings, dinners and celebrations.
• Handmade: Hand-embroidered in Vietnam in a very limited run; each piece subtly unique.
• Care: Specialist dry clean only. Store on a padded hanger away from sunlight; steam gently to refresh the pile.