Black velvet gown with bell sleeves and corset lacing

A floor-length black velvet dress with a high round neck and long bell sleeves that open wide below the elbow. The velvet is crushed, so it reads in two tones under lamp light. Over the bodice, a laced corset panel in the same velvet, black cord criss-crossed through eyelets from under the bust to the hip, the ribbon ends left loose down the skirt. It is sewn on and closed: it shapes the waist, it does not open anything.

The skirt flares to the floor and the pointed black leather boots only show when she moves. This is a winter dress for an old theatre bar, a long dinner or an event where the coat check matters more than the coat. One piece, one colour, no jewellery it does not already have. The lacing and the sleeves are the whole conversation.

Velvet, a bar rail and a slow drink. Some nights only need three things.