The Journey to the Perfect Ball Gown
As the spring begins to shine properly, all manner of social frolicking begins to appear on our calendars. As the bees emerge from their slumber, the flowers burst into bloom and the skies clear of the grey tones of winter, everyone on our fair island breathes a warm sigh of relief. Colleges and companies plan their May Balls, summer socials and proms. Whatever they decide to call their knees-up, the dream is for it to be a night to remember, and consequently we all feel a slight pang of pressure to make sure we’re dressed for this most celebratory occasion. Fear not, traveller of the social circles: we’re here to guide you through the sun-baked world of your perfect ball gown.
“Um, What’s (Technically) a Gown?”
Gowns are a subset of dresses, distinct from frocks and skirts by their tailoring. In fact, if you look in a dictionary for the word gown, you’ll spot a specific reference to length (usually at or below the ankle), and also to shape. Gowns are renowned for being flowing, and aim to shine with elegance, luxury and muted sophistication. They sit at the very top of the formal hierarchy for women’s eveningwear, the traditional counterpart to the male white tie ensemble.
The word gown actually has its roots in the Latin word gunna, meaning a garment made of fur. Fast forward a few centuries and we get to the Old French goune, and also the Byzantine gouna, both meaning a fur-lined garment. Gown was first spotted crossing lips in Middle English. That’s the time of Shakespeare!
Are All Gowns the Same?
No! Like any broad type of garment, gowns follow a fundamental idea, but each and every tailored piece will be different: from the fabrics used and the colour palettes to the silhouettes cast by the garment. If you’re after the full Cinderella, or Belle (basically most things Disney), then the full ball gown silhouette will be what you’re after. But don’t be afraid to stand out. Our dress tailoring is specifically designed to express your own elegance.
“I’ve Already Got a Gown, but I Think It’s Past Its Use-By Date”
Want to spruce up your wardrobe? Turn dreary to chic? Dress alterations and gown alterations are one of our driving passions. So whether your body shape has changed a little since your last summer outing, or you simply want to change your formal tune, we want to be involved.
From May Balls to formal functions to prom dress alterations, we pride ourselves on getting to know you. The ultimate ball gown journey begins with a quick chat with us, if only to give you some great ideas, and insight from our world-class tailors on how to express your unique beauty. Don’t leave it to the last minute. Give us a ring or pop in to our workshop whenever’s convenient, and we can get started.
