MARCHESA’S SHORT-SLEEVE FLORAL-APPLIQUÉ BALL GOWN IS A SUMMER KNOCKOUT

BY TAYLOR AMATUZZO

A balance of light and dark, soft and hard, edgy and pretty, Marchesa’s silk-faille ball gown is a garden of seeming contradictions. Its skirt wears a solid black hue, and others hidden slip pockets, a floor-hitting hemline with a back train, and a dramatically full silhouette. The short-sleeved bodice contrastingly features floral appliqués in a muted color palette over a barely-there mesh base.

Textured and whimsical, intricate and elegant, Marchesa’s latest seems to find inspiration in both a topiary and night skies, femininity and power. Always red carpet ready, the brand— established in 2004 by Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig—is a favorite of celebs like Leighton Meester, Naomi Watts, Kerry Washington, and Sandra Bullock, who flock to its vintage-inspirations and uncategorized style.

Marchesa
Short-Sleeve Floral-Appliqué Ball Gown
$5,995 marchesa.com