Hypnotise Gown: Jacquard Shirt Maxi with Detachable Sleeves

The Hypnotise Gown is cut from a jacquard woven exclusively for Baruni, in a shirt gown shape that runs to the floor. A tailored jacket lapel sits at the neck, a wide tie draws the waist, and the sleeves are full, gathered along their length and finished with dramatic gathered cuffs. There are pockets. Lined in soft rayon.

The sleeves come off. Not with scissors and not at a tailor, but by unbuttoning them at the armhole, and the buttons are hidden so there is nothing to see either way. It makes one gown into two: a full sleeve for an evening that wants presence, and a clean sleeveless shirt gown for one that does not. It sits with the Loretta Gown and the rest of Evening Elegance.

Both models are 175 cm and wear a size S. At that size the gown measures 95 cm at the bust, 77 at the waist, 105 at the hips and 152 cm from the shoulder to the hem, with a sleeve of 55 cm. It comes in Black, Royal Blue and Mulberry.

How do the sleeves come off, and do they go back on?

They unbutton at the armhole. The buttons are set so they do not show, so when the sleeve is off the shoulder reads as a plain sleeveless armhole with nothing left behind, and when it is on there is no visible join. It takes a minute, it needs no tools and nobody to do it for you, and it is completely reversible. Wear it one way in the afternoon and the other in the evening if you want to.

Does the Hypnotise Gown have pockets?

Yes, real ones, set into the side seams. On a floor length gown that is rarer than it should be, and it is the difference between carrying a bag all evening and putting your hands somewhere.

How does a shirt gown fasten, and is it easy to get into?

It fastens down the front like a shirt, which is the whole point of the shape. You step into it rather than pulling it over your head, so your hair and your face stay as you left them. The wide tie then sets the waist wherever you want it.

Is the jacquard heavy to wear through a long evening?

It has weight, and that is deliberate. Jacquard is woven rather than printed, so the pattern is built into the cloth and the fabric holds its own shape instead of clinging to yours. The rayon lining sits between it and you. It is a gown that stands up on its own, which is why it photographs the way it does.

How long is it, and will it touch the floor?

At a size S it measures 152 cm from the shoulder to the hem, and both models are 175 cm and wear it with a heel. If you are shorter, expect it to sit on the floor without one. Tell us your height when you order and we will say exactly how it will fall.

Which of the two looks suits which occasion?

With the sleeves on it is the more formal of the two, and it carries a gala, a wedding, a reception, an evening where you want the room to notice. With them off it becomes quieter and easier, better for a dinner, a daytime celebration or the warmer months. One gown, two registers, which is the argument for buying it once and wearing it for years.