I'm not even sure how to start this article. I kind of want to just post all the photos, tell you to go bid on the items, and then come back to me in the comments so we can both swoon over all the gorgeousness and commiserate about the castles, manor houses, and sprawling estates we'll never get to wear these dressing gowns in. Because if ever an item of lingerie deserved a grand staircase, crystal chandeliers, and a sweeping view of the heath, this one does.
As you may have gathered from the title, these lush robes are handmade by the amazing and inimitable Catherine D'Lish, one of the greats of the neo-burlesque movement. I've seen Ms. D'Lish perform in person several times, and she is hypnotic. Watching her work is the closest I've come to being in a trance. And I love how her gowns are such a perfect representation of her burlesque aesthetic.
Trust me... no one makes lingerie like this anymore. These gowns are nothing but pure, retro, old-school glamour -- the kind that corporations long ago determined was unprofitable. And the other cool thing about these gowns? Well, you get to set the price. As far as I know, Catherine D'Lish only sells her lingerie via eBay auction, and every gown I've seen has sold for far below what it would ever retail for in a department store or luxury boutique.
Make no mistake. Despite the fact that the typical selling price for one of these dream-pieces runs into the hundreds of dollars, that is a deal for the quality of construction and level of detail you're getting here. One of the unfortunate side effects of fast fashion and discount stores is that it's made people unable to recognize true craftsmanship. Well, this is it.
The only two gowns that are currently for sale are the ones at the top of this post (merlot and cafe au lait). All sizing and selling info can be found at the auction listing. I'm posting the other gowns below so we can all ogle at the pretties (I so wish I'd bid on that dove grey confection below).
What do you think of Catherine D' Lish's dressing gowns? Would you ever like to own one?
