In stock and ready to ship. Each Velvet Atelier piece is hand-embroidered in Vietnam and produced in very small numbers, held in our UK warehouse and dispatched promptly — order confirmation sent by email within 24 hours.

Named for the colour of ripened wheat against a dark field, the Golden Harvest carries a single golden sheaf — a quiet emblem of abundance — on the deepest black velvet.

The Golden Harvest is cut from black silk velvet in a softer, more relaxed line than a slip — a graceful V neckline front and back, short kimono-style sleeves that fall in soft folds at the arm, and a gently shaped body that drops to a full maxi length with a fine back slit.

At one hip, a sheaf of golden wheat is embroidered entirely by hand — slender stalks and full ears worked in warm gold and antique-bronze threads, catching the light the way real grain does at the end of the day.

It is an unusual motif, and a beautiful one: understated, a little symbolic, and quite unlike the floral embroidery seen elsewhere in the collection.

Styling. The relaxed sleeve makes this an easy dress to wear. Gold cuffs and earrings, as styled here, pick up the embroidery; a simple heel keeps the line long. The kimono sleeve means no wrap is needed, though a velvet stole adds warmth.

Craftsmanship. Each Velvet Atelier dress is hand-embroidered in Vietnam by heritage artisan makers. The wheat sheaf is built stalk by stalk in fine metallic-toned thread, and every dress is produced in a very limited run — each one subtly its own.

Occasion. Autumn and winter weddings, harvest-season celebrations, milestone dinners, gallery evenings and occasions that call for elegance with a relaxed ease. A graceful choice for the mother of the bride.

• Fabric: Black silk velvet with a soft, light-catching pile.
• Embroidery: Hand-embroidered golden wheat sheaf at the hip, worked in warm gold and antique-bronze thread.
• Silhouette: Softly shaped dress with a V neckline front and back and short kimono-style sleeves; full maxi length with a fine back slit.
• Sleeves: Short kimono sleeves, falling in soft folds.
• Fit: Gently shaped, relaxed through the body. Available in UK sizes 8, 10, 12 and 14.
• Occasion: Eveningwear, autumn and winter weddings, and special celebrations.
• Handmade: Hand-embroidered in Vietnam in a very limited run; each piece subtly unique.
• Care: Specialist dry clean only. Store on a padded hanger away from sunlight; steam gently to refresh the pile.