PALAIS

About the Palais collection

Palais is the most worked end of the range, and where most of the label's lace lives. Corset bodices recur across it, and the Chantilly runs through Sorelle, Sage, Saskia and Sabine as structure rather than as ornament — lace handled so that it drapes with the gown instead of sitting on top of it.

The other half of Palais is cut, not surface. Selene and Soleil are mikado; Sloane and Solstice are crepe; Sapphira is organza and Saffron a woven ivory brocade. What they share with the lace gowns is the basque waistline that keeps reappearing across the collection, and a preference for shaping the body through seams rather than adding to it.

It is also the most convertible group in the range. Sage's lace sleeves, Saskia's off-shoulder straps, Sapphira's shoulder straps and Seraphine's pleated straps all detach, and Sorelle is a two-piece whose corset bodice pairs with a matching mini skirt for a second look later in the day. Selene has pockets.

Boutiques curate their own sample range, so if there is a particular Palais gown you want to try, call ahead and confirm it is in the room before you book.