Midi

From the same stretch velvet as Alaïa's bodycon dresses, this one is cut for movement. A high funnel neck and sleeveless bodice fit close to the hip, where godets break into a skirt of deep flounces that drop to handkerchief points. The pile catches the light unevenly as it moves, which is the reason to cut velvet this way.

Alaïa cuts this dress in stretch velvet and lets the seams do the shaping: two curved lines sweep over the hips and hold the silhouette close. A square neckline and wide shoulder straps keep the top plain, and the skirt runs straight to mid-calf. Bottle green gives the pile a dark, glassy depth.