A HANDMADE TALE

NO MATTER THE TIME OR PLACE, THE MOST LUXURIOUS PIECES IN FASHION ALWAYS FEATURE THE WORK OF AN ARTISAN.

byImran Jalal

From far, they might look like Breton stripes, but the bands on this shift dress are in fact made of feathers, first dipped in dye before being sewn onto strips of white silk organza, then sandwiched between layers of clear PVC for a floaty effect. The whole process – the work of the Chanel owned plumasserie atelier Lemarie – calls for two kilograms of feathers, two metres of silk organza, two and half metres of PVC, and 118 manhours per dress. PVC dress with silk organza and feathers, $49,130, Chanel

If the blooms on these red carpet-worthy sandals look particularly lifelike, it’s because each is made up of 15 individual silk petals arranged then stitched together by hand by artisans from the Italian commune of San Mauro Pascoli – known for its long tradition of shoe making. Time taken to complete a pair? Five hours. Satin and silk sandals, price unavailable, Giuseppe Zanotti

No two pieces of this mushroom-meets-graffiti-swathed biker is alike – its irreverent street-influenced artwork is entirely hand-painted, taking about four hours to complete. Making it even more special: the quilted red silk lining on the inside is delicately embroidered with the Latin inscription Sine Amore Nihil, or “Nothing Without Love” – pretty much sums up the workmanship. Leather jacket, $9,310, Gucci

Lace is a key flourish in Givenchy’s Nippon-inspired resort 2019 collection – and not just any kind. The floral patterned see-through fabric on this peekaboo number is Chantilly – considered the most refined and delicate of lace varieties – and hand-finished by French lace expert Solstiss. Wool crepe, crepe de Chine and lace midi dress, $7,650, Givenchy

Every headpiece by British milliner Stephen Jones is put together by hand, and the Mexican rodeo hats he created for Dior’s Resort 2019 collection are no exception. Possibly the most surprising thing about these elegant woven toppers? They’re braided from paper, then accented by a strip of ornately embroidered grosgrain ribbon with an equally charming, earthy touch. Paper with grosgrain hat, $1,700, Dior

PHOTOGRAPHY TAN WEI TE ART DIRECTION JONATHAN CHIA

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