Long-sleeve lace maxi dress – Imperial Women
Livraison estimée
Pickup available at Imperial Fashion Lyon
Usually ready in 2 hours
Description
A sheath silhouette, all in length
Full-length sheath dress, fitted throughout the silhouette. The neckline is round and scooped, revealing the start of the shoulders without exposing them. The sleeves are long, crafted from the same lace as the bodice. 150 cm back length: the dress falls to the floor.
All-over lace
This is neither an inlay nor a detail: lace makes up the entire garment, from the collar to the cuffs and down to the hem. This gives the dress its density of material while maintaining its lightness—and it is what allows the piece to stand on its own, without the need for accessories.
A three-quarter lining
The dress is lined for the first three-quarters of its length. The final quarter remains lace only: the hem becomes lighter, lets light pass through, and opens slightly while walking. It is a design choice, intended to let the dress breathe at the bottom while providing structure at the top.
For a ceremony
A guest dress for weddings or formal evening events. The long sleeves and high neckline make it wearable in all seasons and settings—including those where covered shoulders are preferred. It holds up throughout an entire day, from the cocktail hour to dinner.
Fit and sizing
Fits true to size. Available in sizes S to L.
Measured: 150 cm back length.
The sheath cut is fitted: it follows the body's lines without extra ease. The percentage of elastane in the lace provides the necessary comfort, but if you prefer a less body-conscious fit, we recommend taking the size up.
Material
99% polyester, 1% elastane. A stable lace that does not wrinkle and keeps its shape throughout the day—a real advantage for a dress worn while sitting and standing for hours. The percentage of elastane provides the elasticity that allows the sheath cut to be fitted without being restrictive.
Manufacturing
Made in Italy.
Care
Delicate machine wash in a laundry bag. Lace snags easily: the bag protects the threads and finishes.
Style with
The dress stands on its own. Pair with pumps or slim-heeled sandals for the ceremony, or a thin belt if you wish to accentuate the waist. A short jacket or a structured blazer for outdoors, without obscuring the shoulder line showcased by the neckline.
In-store
Imperial, Lyon 1st — try-ons on-site and alterations available.
Hem and sleeves adjusted by our seamstresses in our Lyon boutiques. Bring your order and we will pin the alteration on you.
We keep your measurements on file: the next time, the trousers will already be at your length when you arrive.
Free in-store pickup at our Lyon shops, order ready in 2 hours if the item is in stock.
France: €6 for home delivery or pick-up point. Belgium: €10. Switzerland and European Union: varies by destination.
Exchange and returns within 14 days, credit valid for one year or refund. Return shipping costs are at your expense. Full terms and conditions
Our pieces are Italian, and Italian clothing generally fits smaller than French clothing. An Italian 40 corresponds to a French 36, or a size S. Here are the benchmarks to help you choose the right size.
Size conversion
| Our size | France | Italy |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 32 | 36 |
| XS | 34 | 38 |
| S | 36 | 40 |
| M | 38 | 42 |
| L | 40 | 44 |
| XL | 42 | 46 |
This conversion chart is a guide, not a rule: the same size fits differently in fluid crepe than it does in wool drape.
How to take your measurements
Measure yourself in your underwear, with the tape measure flat against your body, without pulling it tight or holding your breath. Get someone to help you if possible: self-taken measurements are often inaccurate.
- Chest measurement — at the fullest point, with the tape measure held horizontally across your back.
- Waist measurement — at your natural crease, just above your navel.
- Hip measurement — at the widest point, approximately twenty centimeters below your waist.
- Inseam — from the crotch to the bottom of the hem, along the inside of your leg. This is the useful length of a pair of trousers.
- Rise — from the crotch to the waistband. This determines whether trousers are high-waisted, mid-rise, or low-rise.
Reading the measurements on our product pages
On product pages that feature it, the Garment measurements button, located below the size selector, opens the model's measurement chart: the garment photographed laid flat with dimensions. Measurements are taken flat, with the fabric relaxed, for the size indicated at the bottom of the diagram.
A width under the arms of 50 cm corresponds to a total measurement of 100 cm: the garment is measured from one seam to the other, across a single layer. Remember to double it to compare with your own measurements. To move from one size to the next, count on a difference of approximately four centimeters flat across the bust, and two to three centimeters at the waist for bottoms.
Between two sizes
The Imperial suit is tailored without being tight: blazers, cocktail trousers, and tuxedos follow the lines of the body. Choose your usual size, and go up a size if you plan on wearing the jacket over a thick knit.
Oversized and palazzo cuts are ample by design: the volume is part of the model's aesthetic, it is not a matter of size. Choose your usual size, even if the piece looks large on the hanger.
If you are hesitating, choose the larger one: a piece that is too tight cannot be fixed, whereas a slightly large piece can be tailored. For a fluid piece, choose the smaller one, as the drape will be cleaner.
Are you a different size on top and bottom? This is the most common case, and it is precisely the advantage of buying pieces separately: a jacket in your top size, trousers in your bottom size. Our suits are put together piece by piece.
Fitting and alterations
An alteration service is available in our Lyon boutiques to adjust a length, take in a waist, or adapt a piece to your body shape. Trying on the garment remains the safest way to choose: pickup is free and your order is ready within two hours if the item is in the boutique. Our advisors are also happy to answer your sizing questions by phone.
