a tiered bustle long skirt of ebon silk

Layers of brushed ebon silk have been used in the construction of this corset-waisted, tiered bustle skirt. A wide band fits close to the body just below the bust, the back lacing up with velvet ribbon threaded through golden loops shaped as tiny little gears. Lengths of the same velvet ribbon have been run down through matching gear loops for the entire drop of the skirt, one each side of the corset lacing, allowing for the top layer of the skirt to be drawn up into an elegant bustle. The second layer has been treated likewise and hangs slightly lower than the upper layer to create a ruffled, delicate appearance at the front of the skirt and a fuller bustle at the back.

Cartel: Camaranth | Designer: Sthai

a stately, claret satin bustle skirt

Delicate satin fabric dyed a sensuous claret hue has been used to create this delightful skirt. A thin, stiff waistband is buttoned just above the hips with a small garnet button. The shimmering satin fabric hugs the hips and legs very tightly until the knees, where a lace fringe hems the overskirt. In the back, it curves upwards before being gathered into a fashionable bow, which serves to accentuate the wearer’s buttocks. Flaring out considerably just below the knees, the skirt itself reaches the ankles, its delicate lace hem adorned with fiery garnet and bloody ruby beading.

Cartel: SWA | Designer: Nariah

a silver brocade bustle skirt

Copious amounts of silver brocade threaded with tenebrous strands of black compose the lines of this elegant bustle skirt, gleaming subtly as the metallic threads catch the light. Gathered masses of the brocade form tiers along the back and sides, producing a pronounced silhouette at the back and hips, accentuating the curves, while a pleated underskirt falls to mid-ankle in scalloping tiers. The subtle, glimmering images of fiends at play peek out of the brocade, peering around scalloping geometrical weavings in the fabric.

Cartel: Camaranth | Designer: Sthai

an aristocratic midnight plum skirt of chiffon and lace

Several bolts of midnight plum chiffon have been used to create this magnificent long skirt. Flourishing from a high waist closed on two diamond buttons, the chiffon falls in abundance to below the knee and is then gathered up at regular intervals and pinned. The hem created in such a fashion is flouncy and soft, reminiscent of petals, and is further adorned by two underskirt layers. Each underskirt chiffon layer is overlaid with glittering lace of the same hue, each reaching lower till the whole creation skims the lower portion of the calves.

Cartel: SWA | Designer: Nariah

a trailing, black chiffon skirt dusted with diamonds

A thin silver chain holds this long, trailing skirt tightly at the waist allowing the cut to flourish starting from the hips down. It has been sewn from many layers of translucent black chiffon that flares out gracefully, forming a charming illusion of weightlessness. Due to the semi-transparent nature of the chiffon, few layers of thin and soft black silk have been sewn underneath to act as a petticoat. On top, amongst the rather chaotically layered chiffon, few layers of black gossamer can be seen. They have been meticulously stitched into a pattern depicting miniatures of the Weeping Amaranth. From the hem almost to the knees the layers have been dusted with crushed diamonds – adding a little sparkle to this elegant sombre skirt.

Cartel: HDV | Designer: Nariah

a black velvet walking skirt sewn with amaranths

Heavy velvet fabric has been dyed to a rich black hue before being sewn into a floor-sweeping skirt. It has been tailored to flatter the figure with its high waist secured on oval onyx buttons in the back, and fitted cut. Only past the hips does it flare out in a swirl of folds all the way to the floor where the hem has been embroidered in silvery thread with amaranths in various stages of blossoming. Whilst elegant, it definitely is a garment for daily use since it places comfort and utility above splendour. The material exudes a faint smell of fresh orchids with each movement.

Cartel: SWA | Designer: Nariah