The Dress

Stunning Anna Campbell Ruby Brocade Gown with exquisite beading on bust and shoulders. Size S, but fits any size 10 to size 14 (Australian) because of the hidden elastic waist and easily adjustable straps.

Originally purchased from Babushka Ballerina in 2019, the dress has been transported overseas and back, worn three times, cleaned once, and not dry cleaned since last wear. (See notes below on staining.)

I could not have been happier with it. The stunning beading continues over lace shoulders that have been reinforced for support. The fall is very flattering, particularly over tummy and hips for curvy women. It is super easy to get on, and the tricky bows at the back were altered to hook and eyes for even more ease on the day.

I found it incredibly comfortable, easy to walk in, absolutely beautiful fluttering in the breeze when outside, but also really good to sit down in and even when going to the bathroom. It is surprisingly wearable!

There are two small tears along the hemline of the outer silk layer, which happened the second time the dress was worn, but were not noticeable when I wore it again. There is also staining on the hem where the silk outer later touched the floor.

The reason the dress has not been dry cleaned since is that most of the flaws could be removed if the dress was re-hemmed for a shorter bride.

Beading is mostly intact with three or four diamante missing. It was suggested by my seamstress not to replace these in case other beads came loose, but the missing beads do not show up among the other hundreds, and are not noticeable in photos.

Price listed takes into consideration the damage along the hemline, which you'll need to repair.

Happy to answer questions, discuss hemline damage and wearability, or organise try-ons for Brisbane based brides. If you're at all interested, please make an offer.

Alterations

Nude tulle straps were added underneath the beaded straps for extra support, to prevent strain on the beading and so they can slide on and off easily. You can see them in the pictures but they are unnoticable when the dress is on.

The dress was hemmed to be floor length for a bride 168cm plus heels.

The dress originally had a complicated tie at the back, which I had altered for metal hooks and flat cotton eyes for more support.