Cobalt silk shantung crop top and pleated skirt in a box

Silk shantung in a saturated cobalt, the slubbed weave giving the colour a slight grain under hard flash. The crop top wraps across the front to a soft V and ends in two oversized cap sleeves folded back on themselves, stiff enough to stand away from the arm like small wings. The skirt is the same silk, high-waisted with a deep waistband and wide pleats that open below the hip.

It is an opening-night outfit for people who would rather watch from the box. Gilt, old wood, a velvet rail, and one colour loud enough that nothing else is needed. Autumn through spring, with a black pointed pump and a small black clutch; the arms stay uncovered so the sleeves keep their shape.

I never look at the stage first. I look at who else dressed for it.