Afternoon:
10°c
Liz, have you ever worn the Bombshell?” my editor asks. Oh God, I'd hoped it was one of those days I could creep under the radar. But no, I have to go and try out London's latest It dress.
Made famous by Nigella Lawson — who has just splashed out on 12 for her holiday to the Hamptons — the “Bombshell” is literally walking out of the Notting Hill emporium The Dispensary.
Nigella has bought it in every colourway: denim, fuchsia silk, tartan and a leopard print so racy that her husband Charles Saatchi has commanded she wear it for him only in private at home. Designed by Katya Wildman, they are priced at £170 each. According to a spokesman for the shop: “Nigella actually looked amazing in it and is a trim size 12, despite what people might think.”
My heart sinks. This is clearly not a dress for Real Women. Yes, Nigella has a cleavage to die for. Yes, she is an hourglass on legs. But size 12. Will I even get the zip up?
When I arrive at the shop on Kensington Park Road, owner Sophie Lynn tries to allay my fears. “The Bombshell actually makes everyone look hot, from size eight to 18,” she reassures.
She goes a little pale as I struggle into the stretch cotton dress but, bingo, after a bit of wrestling it's on. At first I'm not sure. I love the Mad Men shift as much as the next woman. But wrap dresses are notoriously unforgiving on the stomach and arse. Luckily the Bombshell is a stealth number. As you strut around, it moulds to your shape.
Cunningly the stretchy neckline can be adjusted from nun to hooker. Suddenly brave about my DD embonpoint, I reveal a few inches. “Even if you're a completely flat size 8, the ruchy bit around the bust seems to expand,” laughs Sophie. “And people love it because it's not short. It's a proper frock for a woman in her forties. Ladylike but sexy.”
She hands me Vivienne Westwood jelly shoes, £80, and a string of pearls — all I need is a martini. So yes, Katya Wildman is a genius. Hardly surprising when she is a TV stylist who spends her life sourcing vintage dresses. And she understands curves. Sophie tells me she is a dead ringer for Dita Von Teese with a 34FF bust and
tiny waist.
This is her first season selling dresses. She still has a day job, though probably not for much longer. Even before Nigella got to the Bombshell (after gazing in the shop window after dinner at E&O, we suspect), Sophie was selling 20 a week. And you can also buy them at The Cross. “Everyone at Port Eliot was wearing them,” Sophie says. “The Notting Hill set were out in force.”
Before I know it, I'm handing over my credit card. I still need a strapless bra that works (maybe architect Zaha Hadid can help). And I'd wear flip-flops, not heels. But in the oriental bird design, I resemble an older, fatter version of Maggie Cheung in In The Mood for Love. Not a bad look.
Reader views (10)
I purchased 2 of the bombshells when in London in July, a spotted and a floral. The cut is fabulous, easy to wear, and has attracted loads of favourable comments.
- Dawn Judge, Auckland, New Zealand, 03/12/2009 12:08
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I have this dress and absolutely adore it! For those south of the river, it is also available to purchase in JZD, a gorgeous boutique in Clapham Old Town
- Elsa Gibb, London, 03/12/2009 11:08
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That looks absolutely great!!!! I wonder if they have my size.... If they did, I'd actually contemplate speding £ 170 for that dress...... Lots of money, though...
- Juma, london, uk, 03/12/2009 11:08
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I so want one of those dresses. Unfortunately, I would have problems trying to get hold of a strapless bra for me being 34JJ. Still I could start saving....
- Anne Brown, London, UK, 03/12/2009 11:08
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Stunningly attractive Nigella maybe, but there is no way she is a size 12.!
- Irene Gizelle, London UK, 03/12/2009 11:08
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Looks like a brightly coloured frock to me which doesn't fit on the shoulders.
I like the red one with spots on the dummy.
- Sally70, Bedford, 03/12/2009 11:08
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I'll just say that Liz Hoggard looks lovely in that dress!
- Mrmugambo, London, England, 03/12/2009 11:08
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So what do you do if you need a bra? Surely Nigella didn't go bra-less. So you would have to buy a special bra to wear with it. Nigella, do tell.
- Cate, London, 03/12/2009 11:08
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I have the bombshell in denim and I just love it. I picked mine up at JZD boutique in Clapham common for all those south of the river!
- Elsa Gibb, London, 03/12/2009 11:08
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How rare it is for an older woman to be able to look at a photo of a fashionable dress and say "YES, I'd love to wear that"
- Mary, London, 03/12/2009 11:08
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