The Magdalena top has been a Baue favourite for a while. This autumn, I turned her into a dress.
I'd been meaning to try it for ages. The first mock-up was very rough, just enough to test the idea on myself, with and without a belt. The shape felt right straight away. It's the perfect canvas for Baue's stripes, and because each dress doesn't have to be exactly the same, it's a lovely way to use fabrics I've been saving.
The fabrics
Like all Baue pieces, the Magdalena Dress is made from gathered remnants and vintage fabrics. I found a length of soft paisley a while back. I think it's a wool twill, and it's so warm. I'd been waiting for the right design to come along.
I chose the other fabrics using the paisley as my colour palette: a deep green silk viscose velvet and a drapey navy hammered satin. Each has plenty of texture and character, so although the shape is effortless, it still feels like you've made a bit of an effort.
The velvet came in several small pieces, so it took careful cutting. The paisley was a short length too. That's why there are only three of these dresses.
The details
- Pockets. I don't always add them, as they can spoil the line, but this relaxed shape and these weightier fabrics called for them.
- A loose, roomy fit with an adjustable drawstring waist.
- A high neckline that sits just away from the neck, so it's warm without feeling tight.
- Fully lined in soft, lightweight cupro.
- A one-of-a-kind vintage button.
- Sleeves gathered by hand. The satin was too heavy for my usual machine gathers, so these are hand stitched, with the other edge finished as narrowly as I can sew it.
How I'd wear it
The easy shape means you can layer it as the weather gets colder. Wear it over a shirt or a roll neck, with a loose jacket or a baggy knit on top.
I can imagine it on an autumn or winter city break: a gallery in the morning, a bit of shopping, afternoon tea, then straight on to dinner. Or a date night, when you want to feel dressed up without being uncomfortable. And Christmas Day: cosy at home in the morning, then chunky boots and a coat for the after-lunch walk.
Only three
There are three Magdalena Dresses in this paisley, and there won't be any more. Each is dispatched in 2–3 days, with free tracked UK delivery and 30-day returns.
Anna x