Hand-Embroidered Black & Gold Silk Velvet Sleeve Dress

As seen inBritish Vogue · Tatler · Grazia

Made to order. Each Velvet Atelier piece is hand-embroidered in Vietnam and produced in very small numbers. Your order will be with you within 3 weeks, including UK delivery time — order confirmation sent by email within 24 hours.

Named for the colour of ripened wheat against a dark field, the Golden Harvest carries a single golden sheaf — a quiet emblem of abundance — on the deepest black velvet.

The Golden Harvest is cut from black silk velvet in a softer, more relaxed line than a slip — a graceful V neckline front and back, short kimono-style sleeves that fall in soft folds at the arm, and a gently shaped body that drops to a full maxi length with a fine back slit.

At one hip, a sheaf of golden wheat is embroidered entirely by hand — slender stalks and full ears worked in warm gold and antique-bronze threads, catching the light the way real grain does at the end of the day.

It is an unusual motif, and a beautiful one: understated, a little symbolic, and quite unlike the floral embroidery seen elsewhere in the collection.

Styling. Gold cuffs and earrings pick up the embroidery; a simple heel keeps the line long. The kimono sleeve means no wrap is needed, though a velvet stole adds warmth.

Craftsmanship. Each Velvet Atelier dress is hand-embroidered in Vietnam by heritage artisan makers. The wheat sheaf is built stalk by stalk in fine metallic-toned thread, and every dress is produced in a very limited run — each one subtly its own.

Occasion. Autumn and winter weddings, harvest-season celebrations, milestone dinners, gallery evenings and occasions that call for elegance with a relaxed ease. A graceful choice for the mother of the bride.

• Fabric: Black silk velvet with a soft, light-catching pile.
• Embroidery: Hand-embroidered golden wheat sheaf at the hip, worked in warm gold and antique-bronze thread.
• Silhouette: Softly shaped dress with a V neckline front and back and short kimono-style sleeves; full maxi length with a fine back slit.
• Fit: Gently shaped, relaxed through the body. Available in UK sizes 8, 10, 12 and 14.
• Occasion: Eveningwear, autumn and winter weddings, and special 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.