Inspired by a painting depicting Venus persuading Helen of Troy to fall in love with Paris, this hand-embroidered piece explores themes of desire, persuasion, and fate. Constructed in modal satin, the garment features an embroidered tableau at its centre, surrounded by motifs drawn from the ocean—the realm from which Venus emerged.
 
The embroidery extends outward into a composition of waves, stars, and cage-like forms that weave through the surface, suggesting both entrapment and inevitability. Entirely embroidered by hand, the piece combines narrative imagery with ornamental detailing to create a wearable interpretation of the myth.
 
The Selene Gown worn underneath features a dramatically billowing gown, with batwing sleeves seamlessly cut as one with the body, rendering a dreamy draping of fabric. The sleeves culminate in pleated cuffs that echo the rolled neckline, enhancing the sense of continuity within the design.
 
Entirely cut on the bias, Selene punctuates its voluminous flare with dainty pearl embroidery, and zari-work shaped into an abstract mix, featuring a cage-motif, and taking the shape of Venus’s hair from Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. The style of work is heavily inspired by the Grottos of Florence—a place imbued with symbolic resonance as the birthplace of both Botticelli and Catherine De Medici.
 
Shop as Seperates:
The Selene Gown.
Of Venus and Helen Vest.
 
Colourway: Sage. Bone. Shades of Cerulean. Black.
Fit:
Vest: Relaxed. Tie-on style. 
Dress: Bellowing. Floor Skimming
Fabric Composition:
Modal Satin
Silk Organza
Rayon
 
dry clean only