Catherine Rayner Treselle

General background & information
 
While Catherine Rayner is best known for her dramatic, rosette-covered silk dupion gowns, her range was very broad. This slinky gown has none of the volume but all of the drama that we associate with Catherine Rayner's designs. 
 
The dress is constructed from an exquisite quality silk charmeuse, with accent features made from silk chiffon. It features spaghetti straps and long chiffon sleeves (which can be worn on or off the shoulder, as you can see in a video here). Silk chiffon is layered on top of the bodice and heavily ruched on both sides. The back of the bodice is accented with a delicate row of covered buttons. 
 
The sides of the skirt are accented with silk chiffon panels, which can be tied in a knot or bow at the back. These panels float behind the wearer and create movement and flow that echoes the movement in the sleeves.
 
This dress was worn by its original owner only for a couple of hours for an overseas elopement ceremony. It is in pristine condition. Its original owner told us that her goal was to feel the most beautiful she had ever felt in her life, and even 30 years later, she still feels like she accomplished that. 
 
Treselle is a quietly dramatic - not to mention very romantic - wedding dress.