GOING ASYMMETRICAL

Asymmetrical, meaning slanted or diagonal, is a treatment found on necklines, waistlines, hemlines, and even as a sleeve treatment. It's most common on necklines, skirts, and overskirts in evening and bridalwear. Asymmetry can make a component stylish by creating a difference in proportion within the overall silhouette—something a bit off —yet it can turn the gown into a work of art. I like to think of every one of my creations as having a certain elan. Since I began designing, asymmetrical elements have always intrigued me. Maybe because ethnic fashion, as well as early 20th-century costume, blends this element into components. There can be one subtle detail on a fairly basic gown, like a slight slant to the skirt or something a little more complex, like a diagonal neckline with the skirt taking an extreme dip.

Header Photo: The 1930s-inspired PRISCILLA gown is draped at the waist and dips slightly, creating a long peplum. Top Photo: A whisper-soft gown in embossed silk chiffon over lightweight crepe shows off the asymmetrical neckline to its fullest. Above Left: A delicately ruched tulle bodice on top of a full and sweeping tulle skirt. Above Right: An embroidered tulle with an asymmetrical neckline is shaped over a fitted sweetheart bodice. A vintage mash hints at the 1950s with the uber-full skirt and gloves, while offering that touch of boho.

Above Top & Bottom Left: PHOEBE and DAFNA. Two boho gowns with asymmetrical dipped overskirts in drapy silk chiffon. These pieces are particularly liquid when in motion, as are the overskirts when moved by the breeze or a twirl. Above Right: CALLIOPE. An elegant gown harking back to the 1930s with a touch of boho thrown in. This all-over Chantilly lace piece sports an asymmetrically draped surplice that wraps the midriff and hip, creating a dramatic side peplum.

Above: A slightly dipped waist echoes the neckline on this ruched tulle dress, evoking the 1950s. Below: Back view of an asymmetrical neckline in motion.