Story

I had always wanted to design a curve-hugging shift dress, but I had always been intimidated by the process. I'm not really sure why — perhaps it was the sheer number of measurements to get right — but every attempt up to this point had always fallen short and was subsequently scrapped. But this time, when I wasn't even trying to design a curve-hugging shift, I finally somehow got it right with the Phoebe.

The Phoebe, in fact, started out as a totally different dress: I was going for a short, somewhat loose-fitting jumper that would pair well with turtlenecks and leaf piles and libraries. But each prototype I made of the dress wasn't quite right, and I kept changing the darts and seamlines to be more and more fitted until I had a curve-hugging siren of a dress. The moment I put it on, I was in love — it was flattering and slinky but not too much so, and the boxy neckline and patch pockets gave it an unassuming vintage vibe. I like to think the final version of the Phoebe still pairs well with turtlenecks and leaf piles and libraries, but it also works for the office or a night out on the town or anywhere you're willing to flaunt your figure.

Design Details

• 100% silk noil from China
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Fitted shift dress with French and double-pointed darts
• Back zip
• Front patch pockets
• Unlined with interior contrast bias trim
• Measures 35" long from shoulder
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This dress is made of a a 35mm silk noil fabric from China, hand-dyed in our studio with acid dyes to be a bright scarlet red. Made from the fibers left over after spinning silk, silk noil (also known as raw silk) is unlike any other kind of silk: nubby, dense, and matte, but with a drape so luxurious you know it just has to be silk.

In addition to the fabric, this dress uses cotton thread, a YKK zipper, a metal hook and eye, organic cotton labels, and cotton/silk bias tape.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Phoebe is fitted just about everywhere, so make sure to use all three measurements when determining your size (pick the largest size corresponding to each of the three measurements). The style runs true to size but is quite fitted, so if you're at all unsure, I recommend sizing up.

Sarah is wearing a size 4 and is 5'9" with a 33" bust, 24" waist, and 35" hip.