Name: North Versus South Gown
Brand: Viktor & Rolf
SKU: VR7
Price: 252 USD
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4 (17 reviews)

First the good news: assuming you find the right size for you, this gown is classic, super elegant, and very well made.  At the ball several women I did not previously know deliberately came over to compliment me, and my date loved how it looked on me (and so did some of his male friends/colleagues in attendance).  The photos I posted of me wearing it are two of my most liked pictures ever on Facebook because literally everyone LOVES THIS DRESS.  Now the caveats: Viktor & Rolf do NOT do vanity sizing!  I am a pretty small-boned person and typically wear a 36 or 38 in many European manufacturers, but the 40R in this gown fit me like a glove.  (My backup size, the 42R, fit *slightly* more loosely.)  I wore the 40R to my event and was pretty comfortable all night long, despite its snug fit.  Some previous renters disliked the shoulder pad, especially the fact that it cannot be removed.  I did not mind it, but I wanted to point out that because the dress is constructed in long, draped layers, the shoulder pad is absolutely necessary to structural integrity and to maintain the lines of the gown.  Without it I think the dress would very well come apart at the shoulder seam!  The dress is about 4" too long for a 5'4" woman without heels (2nd photo).  I wore 3" heels and just lifted the skirt as needed; I found it quite easy to walk in all things considered.  Finally, unless you are double-jointed or extremely flexible, you will need someone to help zip you up.  But all in all, I highly recommend this gown and am very glad my first rental with RTR went so well!            

So glad I ordered a second size! I was a little surprised by the shoulder pad but it didn't get in the way. Everyone loved this dress!

The dress was perfect! I was worried about the length since I am so tall but it brushed the floor at the perfect length. I wore flat sandals with it. The white of the skirt was slightly see through so I wore I slip underneath. The pleats help hide any unwanted curves too. I love this dress and was constantly getting compliments on how elegant I looked in it!

Was the tightness in the hips or in the top?

The tightness was in the band around the middle. right on the ribs

This gown ended up being perfect for the occasion and I loved it but the sizing is very confusing. My first choice size became unavailable and only the back up larger size was sent to me. Which was still very tight and I would have preferred to go up a size further. Also I am quite tall and was wearing very high heels and the long was still way long. Moral of the story is that this dress runs small and long.  Also the white fabric is quite sheer so I would definitely recommend shape wear or a slip as the dress's lining is just not enough. 

Aside from those things this dress was beautiful, I got innumerable compliments and felt awesome all night. The contrasting fabric is extremely slimming and the structure of the top creates a great shape. The contrast of the large and small pleats in the fabric was also a nice surprise and a beautiful detail.  

What color accessories would you wear this with? Could you pair it with cobalt blue or red (solids)

I found that this dress ran on the smaller side. I would size up for backup, and especially if you are busty. I love the modern black and white design to this style, and the fabric is so light and beautiful. There is structure to the one shoulder on the dress with gives the cut some great sophistication. I recommend this style if you want to wear something that is simple yet makes a statement.

I wore this dress to a charity gala I hosted and got many compliments including how elegant it made me look on stage. I'm usually a size 6 in dresses (size 8 in pants), so the stylist suggested a 44R, and it fit really well. You can wear a strapless bra with it so that's a plus. It's really long, and I had to carry it when I walked, even with 4 inch heels, so maybe not the dress for you if you're clumsy or don't want to deal with that. It cinches in at your waist, so it's a good dress if you're pear shaped, like me. 

It slipped right on, with not too much trailing on floor. It was a little tricky zipping up the sides but once we got it, it was perfect! The only thing I didn't see coming were all the pleats! 

Was pretty sure I ordered the 46L, but the 46R worked just fine with my 3.5in heels. Very flattering, but wasn't expecting the large shoulder pad. My dress had a couple of small red marks by the zipper that weren't very noticeable, but definitely annoying to try to cover up most of the night. The zipper also popped out from the dress a little bit.

I loved this dress except for the shoulder pad. I wish I could remove it, if needed.

The dress arrived pretty worn and the white looked more gray than true white, but it pictured well and like the other comments, I received complements from men and women all night. I wore 4" heels and with the extra length it was perfect. I am usually a 6 dress but the 8l was the winner. I recommend you order up as a backup. 

the 40L was too long; however, RTR sent seamtress hem tape and I secured the bottom and no one else noticed the length. Next time, I would go for the 40R

this dress would be okay if the one shoulder strap didn't have a huge shoulder pad!

Extremely modern and comfortable. The white part is a bit see through and the arm hole was a little snug. Every other bit if this dress was slimming and wonderful. 

With everyone mentioning in the reviews that the dress ran long, I decided to get the regular length which turned out to be a mistake.  The hem falls at my ankle.  
If your height is near 5'9" I recommend you choose the long.   The shoulder pad is also a little odd.  
Other than that, the dress fit perfectly.  

Wanted to wear this for a formal for school and my chest was too big for this dress.

North Versus South Gown

Viktor & Rolf

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