Alaba Gown: Lurex Jacquard Shirt Maxi with Organza Tie

A floor length shirt gown cut from Lurex jacquard, woven exclusively for Baruni. The pattern moves in soft curving lines across the fabric, and the Lurex catches the light as you turn, so the gown reads quietly in daylight and lifts under evening lighting.

The neckline is a deep V at the front and sits high across the back. It buttons down the front like a shirt. Pleats are set into the waist, releasing into a full skirt that falls to the floor, and there are pockets in the side seams. A separate tie in contrasting organza comes with the gown, so you can wear it high at the waist, looser at the hip, or set it aside.

Lined throughout in soft rayon. Available in Black, Navy, Mulberry and Peach. The model in Mulberry is 175 cm and the models in the other colours are 172 cm, all wearing a size S.

How does the Lurex look in photographs?

Better than most fabrics, which is why we chose it for a gown this shape. Lurex jacquard has depth rather than shine, so it picks up light without flaring out in a flash photograph the way a satin can. In daylight the curving pattern reads as texture. Under evening lighting the metallic effect in the weave comes forward and the gown looks richer than it does on a hanger.

The tie is separate, so can I wear the gown without it?

Yes. The organza tie is a separate piece, not stitched into the gown, so it is yours to use as you like. Tied high it marks the waist above the pleats and makes the skirt look fuller. Tied lower it softens the line. Left off entirely, the gown falls as a column from the shoulder with the pleats doing the shaping, which is the easier look for a long evening.

Are the pockets deep enough to use?

They are set into the side seams and sized to take a phone, a lipstick and a key, which is usually all anyone wants to carry at a dinner. They sit within the pleating, so they lie flat and do not interrupt the line of the skirt when they are empty.

What jewellery works with a metallic effect fabric?

Less than you would think. The weave is already doing the work, so a heavy statement necklace tends to compete with it. The V neckline is deep enough to carry one fine chain, or nothing at all. We would put the jewellery at the ear and the wrist instead, and keep the metal consistent with the colour you choose, warm metals with Mulberry and Peach, cooler ones with Black and Navy.

Would this suit a mother of the bride as well as a wedding guest?

It is one of the few gowns that genuinely does both. The high back, the covered shoulder line and the full length give it the formality a mother of the bride usually wants, while the V neckline and the organza tie keep it from feeling matronly. Worn as a wedding guest it holds its own at a black tie reception without taking attention from the bride. You will find it alongside the rest of our evening gowns.