Ruth Maxi Dress Barley Silk (Founder's Edition)

• Soft & Fluid Silk Georgette
• Weight: 75.0g/m²
• Composition: 100% Silk
• The Barley colourway: A warm wheat-beige with a golden undertone. Softer than tan, richer than cream. Reads as natural-warm in daylight and oatmeal in interior lighting. Never flat. Pairs cleanly with white, ivory, brass, and deep chocolate.

THE DRESS THAT STARTED AS A PARACHUTE.

In 1947, Ruth Hensinger wore a wedding dress made from the parachute that had saved the life of her future husband, Claude Hensinger, during World War II. After surviving a B-29 crash in 1944, Claude kept the parachute and later offered it to Ruth as the material for her bridal gown. Ruth shaped the skirt herself with a local seamstress. The parachute gave the dress its volume and movement, transforming a material of survival into a silhouette of memory and transmission.

Occasions this piece works for
Destination weddings in Italy, Greece, or Provence. Standalone with minimal jewellery.
Garden and vineyard receptions. With flat sandals or low heels.
Black-tie optional evening events. With pointed heels and statement earrings.
Mediterranean holidays and anniversary dinners. With a silk clutch in a complementary tone.
Gallery openings and formal daytime events. Under a linen or cashmere coat.

How to style
Standalone with minimal gold jewellery; the off-shoulder neckline is the focal point.
With a fine silk shawl or cashmere wrap draped at the elbows for cooler evenings.
With heeled sandals or pointed pumps for formal events; flats for daytime.

The silhouette
Off-shoulder neckline that rests just below the shoulder line, short gathered sleeves, fitted through the bodice, flaring from the natural waist into a flowing floor-length skirt.

Fit notes
Cut to French sizing, runs true in FR 36 to 42. The gathered bodice accommodates most bust shapes within the standard fit range. If between two sizes, size up for a looser fit through the bodice. The model in studio images wears FR 38. For sizes outside FR 36–42, contact the house directly.

• Do not bleach
• (F) Professional cleaning with hydrocarbon solvents only
• Iron at low temperature
• Do not tumble dry
• Do not Wash

SHIPPING

All orders are shipped within one week from Paris, France. Customs duties and shipping costs are calculated based on your region and displayed directly at checkout, no hidden charges.

Estimated delivery after dispatch:

• France: 2–3 business days
• European Union: 3–5 business days
• United Kingdom: 4–6 business days
• United States & Canada: 5–8 business days
• Rest of world: 6–10 business days

You will receive a tracking number by email once your order is dispatched.

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RETURNS

Sometimes a piece just needs a slight adjustment. Before initiating a return, our team can arrange an alteration for you, often the most elegant way to make a silhouette truly yours.

Returns are accepted within 14 days from the date of delivery, on items that are unworn, unaltered, and with all original tags attached. Return shipping is at the customer's expense, except for defective or non-conforming items, which we take care of.

Made-to-order pieces are non-refundable; we offer complimentary alterations to perfect the fit. Bespoke (sur-mesure) commissions are final sale, as each piece is produced exclusively for you following a validated prototype.

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Q. Is the silk a blend?
A. No. 100% silk across the piece. No viscose, no polyester, no rayon.

Q. Can the Ruth Maxi Dress be worn in winter?
A. Yes. Silk regulates temperature: cool in summer, warm under a tailored coat in autumn and winter. Layer over a fine silk or cashmere base for colder months.

Q. How is it produced, and on what scale?
A. Numbered limited editions, ranging from one-off pieces to 20 numbered pieces, handmade in Portugal.