IT’S the dress of the season – and next season, too.
Created by 44-year-old French designer Roland Mouret, the super-elegant Galaxy dress is also being called a “miracle” – in every language you can think of.
The reason the $1,500 fall/winter version is sold out all over the world: a unique elastic mesh slip-like lining which, much like control underwear, sucks in wobbly bits of flesh, rounds the butt, cinches the waist and pumps up the breasts to create the caliber of hourglass figure that would make Jessica Rabbit see green.
“It’s absolutely genius, a revolutionary form of construction and tailoring,” says Kendall Farr, author of “The Pocket Stylist” ($20, Gotham), scrutinizing a sample of the distinctly retro, cap-sleeved, tightly waisted below-the-knee dress that’s been snapped up by stylish celebs including Demi Moore, Cameron Diaz and Naomi Watts.
“It oozes a stealth sexuality,” adds Farr, who suggests much of the Galaxy’s appeal lies in the fact that it is “so simple and elegant, with none of the gimmicks, whether that’s lavish beading or feathering, that so many other designers are doing right now. It’s refreshing to see what looks like such a simple dress at a time when everything is looking so fussy. This is dead-on unassuming chic.”
But the Galaxy packs more punch than might first meet the eye.
“The tailoring is a feat of engineering,” says Farr, comparing the seamless, flat tummy panel (“Who needs additional bulk there?”) to the back of the skirt where multiple seams will create a series of statuesque curves.
“If you haven’t got natural curves, this dress will give them to you,” says Farr. “And if you are very curvy, the lining will nip in your waist and rearrange all your other bits into the right place to give you this va-vavoom figure. I’ve never seen anything like it before. The lining is constructed like an old-fashioned full-body girdle – but made from this high-tech mesh, flexible mesh that’s not going to make you feel as if you’ve been sewn into a tourniquet.”
Ten days ago, actress Rachel Weisz debuted the new leaf-green spring/summer 2006 version of the Galaxy – called the “Titanium” – that’s scheduled to hit N.Y.C. stores (including Bergdorf Goodman and Jeffrey’s) in mid-January.
Available in a variety of lighterweight fabrics, the Titanium has different touches, at the neckline and on the hips, than the original, but it is tailored with the same shape-throwing powers.
Note to anyone who plans to try the Titanium: Get your name on the waiting list. Now.
According to staffers at Mouret’s London studio, the demand for the Galaxy was so heated, stores – from Tokyo to L.A. – received such a barrage of advance orders the dress was sold out even before it hit the shop floor.
“A lot of other designers are going to try and copy this idea,” Farr predicts of the extraordinary lycra-laden slip lining.
“But it’s not something that anyone can reproduce cheaply. Even the slightest deviation from Mouret’s genius tailoring would mean that the lining would pucker or bubble, leaving you with unsightly bulges.”
Unlike control underwear, which often feels so suffocating you worry that your circulation has been cut off, the power lining of the Galaxy is surprisingly comfortable, says model, Kristen Cosmi.
“The only problem I had was that the lining comes right down to your knee, so taking big steps is difficult. But . . .” she adds, admiring her new curvy figure, “that doesn’t stop me wanting a dress that can do such amazing things to my body.”
e-mail: [email protected]
—
The inside scoop
* No wrinkles!
* Hugs your curves!
* Holds skin in!
—
Slim fast
The Galaxy dress may be the season’s smash hit, but Michael Palladino, director of client and studio services at Henri Bendel, says other clothes out this fall have the capacity of making you look leaner and taller – no surgeon’s knives required.
Here are six of Palladino’s top picks:
ZIP-UP HOODIE: “If you’re busty, avoid making yourself look rounder by wearing crew necks. Go for a zip-up or v-neck knit or jacket (like this, $365 by Lamb) help create an elongating effect.” The ribbed waistband and cuffs on this hoodie add extra definition – and further help eliminate any impression of roundness.
LACY TOPS: “If you have a small bust, first choose a bra with a padded cup and good lift that actually redefines your shape,” Palladino says. “A top, like this Leigh Bantivogolio cami ($248) that offers bustline detailing such as rouching and an empire waistline gives the illusion of volume.” The wide straps, he notes, also help accentuate curves.
EXTRA LONG NECKLACES: “Petite women should avoid anything that suggests a horizontal line and create as many vertical references as possible,” Palladino says. “The new longer length in necklaces (like this $168 beadspeckled chain) offers a very quick fix to give a taller appearance. Keep the size of the bead in proportion to your height.” Unless you are really tall, Palladino suggests you avoid oversized chunky beads.
FROTHY COCKTAIL DRESS: This tiered Diane Von Furstenberg dress ($365) is remarkably forgiving, Palladino says. “The high empire waistline is great if you have a small chest, and the layers of chiffon – which is a great, lightweight fabric that lies flat against your skin without creating extra volume – are a great diversionary tactic.” The to-the-knee hemline, he adds, creates the visual trick of making you look taller.
TRUMPET SKIRT: “Skirts (like this Diane von Furstenberg style, $275) that have a flounced or trumpet hemline in fabrics that have some weight offer great resistance,” Palladino says, “which means they can actually hold you in place.” The deep, dropped waistband on this dress is a great tummy concealer, while the transparent tapered panels are particularly slimming.