Story

A sonnet is a moment's monument—
Memorial from the Soul's eternity
To one dead deathless hour. Look that it be,
Whether for lustral rite or dire portent,
Of its own intricate fulness reverent.
Carve it in ivory or in ebony,
As Day or Night may rule; and let Time see
Its flowering crest impearled and orient.
A sonnet is a coin: its face reveals
The Soul—its converse, to what Power 'tis due:—
Whether for tribute to the august appeals
Of Life, or dower in Love's high retinue,
It serve; or 'mid the dark wharf's cavernous breath,
In Charon's palm it pay the toll to Death.

– Dante Gabriel Rossetti, The House of Life

Fourteen pleats on the front and back of the Sonnet mirror the fourteen lines present in each poem. These pleats are stitched down for several inches below the waistband before being set free to drape however they wish. A single vintage shell button cinches the waistband, creating a Sonnet with the perfect balance of structure, symmetry, and beauty.

Design Details

• 100% organic cotton velvet milled in India
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Tea-length skirt with stitched and pressed knife pleats
• Side zip and button-cinched waistband
• Hidden pockets in side seams
• Unlined
• Measures 32" long
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This skirt is made of organic cotton velvet woven in India. Luxuriously soft with a characteristic velvet pile on one side, this fabric is heavy and substantial. It is dyed a beautiful faded pink.

In addition to the fabric, this skirt uses cotton thread, a YKK zipper, one vintage mother of pearl button, cotton bias binding/pocket lining, and cotton garment labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Sonnet is fitted only in the waist, so use your waist measurement when determining your size. If you fall in between sizes, I recommend sizing up if you'd like the skirt to fit lower down on your torso, and sizing up if you'd like it to fit more closely to your natural waist.

Alyssa is wearing a size 4 and is 5'8" with a 35" bust, 27" waist, and 37" hip.