Horror Vacui Handmade Dress from München
When we visited München, Germany, last year (Munich), we stopped into Lodenfrey to do some shopping. One of Munich’s most famous brands is Horror Vacui, a woman-owned fashion house determined to revitalize ancient sewing and tailoring techniques. Horror Vacui means “fear of emptiness.” It’s this fear of emptiness that entices the brand and all of its hyper-skilled artisans to hand craft each garment with stunning artisanal precision utilizing nearly extinct techniques like hand cut scallop hems and ties, hand smocked honeycomb, and traditional German Froschgoscherl pleats, usually used on dirndls.
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Outfit Details
Hair Clip, Tiffany & Co. Necklace, Lilly Pulitzer Cashmere, Horror Vacui Dress (old, similar here and here), Apple Watch Band, Diamond Ring, Tiffany & Co. Ring, Palm Beach Sandals, Lion Ring (Family Heirloom, similar here)
The sizing of Horror Vacui dresses is quite generous. This is my third one, and as always, it’s an extra small. Usually, they fit a little loose, but that makes them all the more comfortable. I absolutely adore the scalloped tie shoulders. I do wish they’d been a foot or two longer to really make a statement with oversized bows, but they are gorgeous nonetheless.
How darling is this hand-embroidered logo? This reminds me of what I embroidered onto my husband’s bowtie ahead of our wedding day– the heart, the secret message, it’s all so romantic! Whoever embroidered that particular piece was exceptionally talented, because it’s exactly even and perfectly straight.
I take this Lilly Pulitzer cashmere wrap with me everywhere I go. It’s one of four I own, and I am always amazed by how warm, lightweight, and timeless they are. The current season (summer 2025) versions are sheer, whereas mine is not (mine is from 2021). Even so, I’ve always been quite pleased with Lilly’s quality.
You know I’m a huge fan of Palm Beach Sandals! They’re comfortable, they form to my feet, and they are flat enough to take on any adventure. I wear my normal size in them and love that the leather uppers are supple enough to accommodate my wide feet. If you don’t own a pair, you should!
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