The One does exist. In the wedding dress department at least. In an era of individuality, during which bridal trends centre around colour-pop veils and alternative shoes , there is one gown that has a magnetic pull over women about to walk down the aisle.
Enter: Vivienne Westwood’s Cocotte, a dress steeped in history, but with the ability to snatch a waist like no confection a Kardashian could even dream up. Brides don’t just stumble across the Cocotte, they are wedded to the thought of a timeless design that’s done both Hailey Bieber and Miley Cyrus proud. Born in the ’90s after Westwood had established her fascination with 17th- and 18th-century salon culture via her Vive La Cocotte autumn/winter 1995 collection, the dress was directly inspired by the free-thinking French author Ninon de l’Enclos, who flitted about the arts scene in flat corseted frocks draped across the shoulders to enhance her décolletage.
But while Westwood had these exquisite artefacts to thank for the Cocotte’s silhouette, the secret to the modern-day versions lies in their wearability. “The skirt drape is flattering, constructed to mould to the body, while the fabric falls from the hip in a soft A-line, creating organic drapes which are reminiscent of ancient Greek statues,” says Brigitte Stepputtis, director of design, bridal and couture, at Vivienne Westwood, before sharing the real secret to its deceptive level of comfort: “Our signature corset is constructed with stretch side p.
