Of all the dresses I have ever worn, this remains my favorite. It was made to my design about 15 years ago but I still love to struggle into it whenever the right occasion comes along.

Made from a heavy black satin with a wonderful sheen to it, it is strapless and absolutely skin tight (and I mean skintight!) down to just above the knees from where it flares into a generous fishtail. It has an extra strong zip and a hidden elasticated belt inside at the waist to help take some of the strain! I had to send it back to the dressmaker no less than three times before it was as tight as I wanted over the hips and thighs.

You can walk in it (just) but you really have to swing those hips, and stairs are OUT! The first time I ever went out was to the TV Bournemouth weekend. I decided to wear this dress for the disco, which is held in the basement of the hotel.Trying to go down the stairs, I missed my footing and arrived aat the bottom in a very embarrassed heap of black satin.

It is wonderfully slinky and absolutely impractical and I love it.