Creative Process ~ Idra Bodice Maxi Dress
Idra is our collection's vibrant, statement-making summer dress. It has a lime green balconette bodice with adjustable straps, attached to a flowing bias-cut skirt printed with an orange and green abstract motif by artist Laurence Watchorn. The motif curves around the waist and hip, creating a flattering accent.
Idra's colours are an ode to summer's bold citrus hues. These colours are found around the island of Hydra, with limes growing in the sun and painted orange buildings beaming along the shore.
Citrus hues pop up everywhere on the island of Hydra, Greece.
While selecting artworks in Laurence's studio, we immediately fell in love with an orange and green abstract form, only a relatively small element on one of his massive painted canvases. We chose this for an elegant bias-cut evening dress, designing the dress around the motif. We decided to leave the rest of the dress free of other painted elements, to let the motif shine on its own.
Idra's painted motif by Laurence Watchorn, on its original canvas.
Idra's bodice comprises of 77% Naia acetate and 23% polyester. Naia acetate is an energy-efficient fibre to produce. It's sourced from FSC-certified wood pulp, and processed on a closed-loop cycle meaning all chemicals used in the process are reused. For Idra's bodice fabric, this fibre is blended with polyester to give the material sheen. While we had never used virgin polyester fibres before, we decided to make a creative-focused decision to use this fabric as we had fallen in love with its texture and colour. As it is included in a special formal piece, we hope it will be treated as an heirloom to be passed down to family or friends in the years to come.
Idra's skirt is made from a 35% silk and 65% Lenzing ECOVERO™ blend. Silk is a biodegradable natural fabric, though it's worth noting that traditional silk production kills silkworms. Lenzing ECOVERO™ is a type of viscose, traceable and sourced from controlled FSC-regulated European forests.
Idra's lining is a 60% Bemberg ™ cupro and 40% lyocell blend. Bemberg™ cupro is made from discarded cotton linters, a pre-consumer material which is a byproduct of the manufacturing process of cottonseed oil.
The digital printing on Idra's skirt is done with water-based inks verified to a standard of OEKO-Tex 100 certification.
Each dress is manufactured at a North London-based small-batch production studio. The studio specializes in high-end production, working with many emerging and established designers and brands in the city. Each dress is made in-studio by their talented seamstresses and cutters. It takes seven hours to cut and sew just one of our pieces.
You can buy the Idra Dress here.
