I loved and wore this dress for my wedding and am now ready to pass it on. I myself benefitted from getting it off eBay otherwise I could never have afforded this dress which retailed at the Vera Wang Madison Avenue boutique for many thousands of dollars; a woman in Manhattan had bought two at the Vera Wang sample sale and decided against this one. So I received it new and unaltered from her, still paying a small fortune but at least it didn't break the bank and we could have things at the wedding like, oh, food. And music. And cake.
You know the movie SABRINA where Audrey Hepburn is aglow in a Givenchy made with "yards and yards of fabric?" That's how I feel about this dress. It's kind of an engineering marvel because while it is structured and has "yards and yards of fabric", it is so light and comfortable. You'd think it would weigh a ton and be like a Victorian nightmare with a constricting bodice, but no. I wore it as if I were in a sundress, which is key because when you're comfortable you're happy and that's what you want on your wedding day!
Fabrication is best described as a very fine-weave silk twill. Strapless bodice with a pleated surplice trim along the neckline. Lopsided frayed bow in back atop a row of silk-covered buttons which cleverly disguise an easy-access zipper. Two extra buttons are included. Train can be bustled to a discreet loop in the back which creates a lovely folded origami effect. Color is a soft ivory. I'm including photos of me wearing the dress. Yes, outside- but I had the dress dry cleaned and professionally stored immediately after and I don't see any significant signs of wear, certainly not grass stains or dirt. The only flaws I can detect are a faint brown spot on the folds on the front bodice (photo 6) and a faint discoloration on the front area (photo 7).
I'm not promising a flawless, new Vera Wang. But if you want a designer dress (and let's face it, who doesn't want to read "the bride wore Vera Wang" in the local paper?), this is an amazing find. It's elegant, beautifully made and appropriate for a variety of venues. And it'll make you feel great.
I can ship it in the "Bridal Keepsake" storage box if desired.