This Mint Velvet dress is just like celebrity favourite The Vampire's Wife's - only it's £1,400 cheaper
The fashion pack let out a collective sob when The Vampire’s Wife announced it was shutting down earlier this year. A favourite of celebs from Jennifer Aniston to Keira Knightley, the London based label – founded by Nick Cave’s wife and former model Susie Cave – was known for some of the most show-stopping (and expensive) occasion wear around.
Of all the cult brand’s chic designs, there was one A-listers loved most of all: the Falconetti dress. Rachel Weisz opted for a light blue shade; Holly Willoughby preferred the sparkly red. Princess Kate loved her glitzy green version of the £1,595 frock so much, she chose to immortalise it in her official portrait. Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman even labelled it ‘the world’s most flattering dress’.
Since the brand ceased trading, the piece has become a lot harder to get hold of. Second-hand versions are selling on eBay and Vestaire Collective for at least retail price, with one sparkly purple Falconetti listed for £6,261. Even through Selfridges' rental service, the cheapest option (a four-day lease) is a pretty eye-watering £135.
But recently, while scrolling John Lewis’s new-in section, we stumbled across a dress that made us do a double-take. It had the same silver-chrome effect as the Falconetti; the same three-quarter sleeves with elaborate cuffs; the same mid-calf grazing length and decorative ruffles along the hem.
The dress in question is Mint Velvet’s Metallic Midi Dress, available in silver and a gorgeous midnight navy, perfect for the festive season. The real difference between this frock and The Vampire’s Wife’s Falconetti? The price. Mint Velvet’s version is retailing for £189 – still an investment, but significantly kinder on the purse strings than the original, with its nearly £1,600 price tag.
As far as we’re concerned it’s the perfect Christmas party dress. It’s also incredibly easy to style given the frock alone is enough of a statement: pair it with pared back black heels, a black clutch or cross body bag and a black trench, and you’re good to go. And, if the original is any indication, you’ll be able to rent it out or sell it for a fortune once you’ve had your fill. You’re welcome!
£189, Mint Velvet via John Lewis
