Jumana Dress: Sequin Tulle Tiered Maxi with Sheer Sleeves

A long tiered dress cut from tulle embroidered all over with sequins. The tulle is black and the sequins are multi coloured, so the dress reads as dark from across a room and then breaks into colour as the light moves on it.

The neckline is round and the sleeves are gathered and sheer. A tie marks the waist, and there is elastic set into the waistband underneath, which is what makes a dress this size so easy to put on. Lined throughout in soft rayon.

Available in Black. The model is 175 cm and wears a size S.

How does the elasticated waist fit?

Comfortably, and more forgivingly than the measurements suggest. The waist on the chart is given relaxed, which is why that figure looks generous next to the bust. The elastic gathers it in as you wear it and the tie above it does the shaping, so one size covers a wider range of waists than a fitted dress would. If you are between sizes anywhere on this dress, choose by your bust rather than your waist.

Are the sleeves see through on the arm?

Yes, and that is deliberate. The body of the dress is fully lined, so nothing shows through there. The sleeves are the same embroidered tulle without lining, so your arm is visible through the sequins. It reads as decorated rather than bare, because the sequins sit densely enough to break up the line, but you should know before you order rather than discover it when it arrives.

What do multi coloured sequins look like in a room?

Quieter than they sound on paper. Because the ground is black, the colours only appear where light catches them, so from a distance the dress looks dark and textured rather than bright. Move, or stand under a chandelier, and it shifts through greens, blues and golds. It is the opposite of a single colour sequin dress, which looks the same from every angle and in every light.

Will the sequins snag or scratch?

They are embroidered onto the tulle rather than glued, which is the version that lasts. Sequin work of any kind can catch on a rough surface, so keep a rings and bracelets check in mind when you put it on, and hang it rather than folding it into a drawer. Dry clean only, and tell the cleaner it is embroidered tulle so that it is handled gently and not pressed flat.

Is this strictly an evening dress?

Mostly, and honestly so. Sequins need artificial light to do what they are made to do, so this dress is at its best after dark at a dinner, a reception or a party. It can work at a late afternoon event that runs into the evening, which is how most weddings are timed. For a daytime ceremony in full sun we would send you to something woven rather than sequinned.

Is the Jumana a good dress for a Christmas or New Year party?

It is one of the best we make for it. The multi coloured sequins come alive under party lighting, the sheer sleeves give coverage with lightness, and the elasticated waist keeps it comfortable through a long night of dinner and dancing. It is a long sleeve Christmas party dress and New Year's Eve dress in one, with sheer sleeves that cover the arms without weight.

It sits with the rest of our evening gowns.