Lace

Every metre of this fabric is worked by hand. The base is a soft, lightweight net that drapes and moves with the body rather than standing stiff — which is why it holds a fitted silhouette and a flowing train so beautifully. Across that base sit sculpted 3D flowers made from gathered satin ribbon, each one built petal by petal and anchored with clusters of pearls and crystal stones at the centre. Between the blooms, leaves and trailing stems are filled in with dense silver rhinestone and bead work that catches light from every angle, so the design reads as luxury both in daylight photos and under evening lights. The result is a fabric that needs very little tailoring drama to look expensive. It suits a fitted mermaid gown with a sweep train (as shown), a corset-and-wrapper set, a traditional wedding second look, or an off-shoulder reception dress.