Killer Spider Style; The Web Inspired Dress

A look at the beauty and glamour of the spider web inspired dress- from the 1910s to now

Spider web inspired design makes for intriguing and alluring fashion. The spider's web can be seen as symbolic of a multitude of feminine qualities: complexity, both delicacy and strength, allure and beauty to name a few. Whilst spider web designs are now associated with the goth aesthetic and Halloween attire, early spider web designs reach far beyond these confines and denote a sense of timeless strength and glamour. The detail of the spider's web has inspired intricate creations with beads and embroidery. Shining materials, glittering beads and diamante can mimic the beauty of sparkling raindrops on a web.

The images in this post include a variety of spider web inspired dress designs from over the last 110 years. The popularity of spider web fashion designs for 1920's womenswear is hardly surprising. The 1920s saw women use fashion as a statement to express their growing independence and strength. The bobbing of hair, the showing of ankles, loose fitting, boyish silhouettes and the smoking of cigarettes were all used as statements of rebellion. Considering the morbid fact that certain species of spider, famously including the black widow, feature a physically stronger female who may eat her mate after procreation (scientificamerican.com), the spider can certainly be seen as a bold representation of female independence and strength.

A glistening example of 1920's opulence. 1927 spider web design embellished dress by Madeleine Vionnet. This gown is called 'Araignée', meaning spider. (Image via americanduchess.com)

This concept of the woman as a black widow can be seen in the below video fragment from the lost 1916 film, 'The Wolf Woman'. Actress Louise Glaum can be seen wearing a revealing, spider web inspired design. This dress perfectly represents the idea of the alluring and dangerous femme fatale. The placement of the web and spider over the breast are a blatant symbol of female sexuality as a dangerous trap. Later spider web dress designs (including those of the 1920s) can be seen as turning this negative idea of female sexuality on its head; the wearing of web designs can reach beyond the concept of the evil, dangerous temptress and be worn with pride in feminine sexuality.

An illustration by Jules De Ban of a womenswear spider web inspired outfit. This outfit was made in 1921 for Lucille. (Image via collections.vam.ac.uk)

This 1920's dress celebrates the beauty and variety of nature with both spider web and butterfly embellishments. This beautifully preserved item is currently on auction, click on image for link.

This 1927 fashion illustration, by Erté (Romain de Tirtoff), shows a grey beaded dress design for the play 'Manhattan Mary'. This low cut, revealing dress has a spider web effect which is connected in the centre with a black spider detail. (Image via metmuseum.org)

I've previously written that, for me, 1930's fashion is the height of glamour. Why aren't gowns featuring a spider web cloak created today? Model Helen Bennet in a 1939 advertisement for Bergdorf Goodman. (Image via americanduchess.com)

The silver bead details on this early 1940's embroidered dress are exquisite. This gown is currently on auction, click image for link.

Proof that spider web inspired fashion design isn't confined to the goth aesthetic. Glamorous silver spider web detail ball gown by Dior. S/S 1953. (Image via metmuseum.org)

A jaw-dropping spider web effect bathing suit at a Gottex S/S 2006 show. (Image via vlada-sasha-natasha.tumblr.com)

Enchanting web detail at the Schiaparelli Haute Couture S/S 2016 show. (Image via hautekills.tumblr.com)

Zendaya wearing a custom Valentino nude and black spider web gown at the 2021 'Spider-man: No Way Home' premiere. (Image via popsugar.co.uk)

Below are a selection of current spider web inspired designs (including fast fashion, designer, made to order and vintage) that are available to purchase today. Considering the glamour of such styles and the time of year, there are a surprisingly limited number of web inspired designs. Whilst they are ideal for the Halloween season, they are much more than a costume. They are a celebration of female complexity, strength and glamour:

For a little autumnal glitter, the black velvet Morticia Dress from Hell Bunny with a crystal spider web feature. Also available in plus sizes. £59.99/$134. Click image for link.

This sophisticated gown is worth the wait. Victoria's Queen White Beading Spider Web Back Purple Velvet Prom Dress. $220.50. Made to order with a wide range of customisable options. They offer free shipping worldwide on orders over $149 with standard shipping. Click image for link.

Gothic Sexy Brown Spider Web Dress from Vellarmi. £28.99/ $36. Global shipping. Click image for link.

A figure-hugging treasure, vintage intricate black 1990's spider web embroidered dress. $253.39/£200. Available from the TotosVintage store on Etsy.

A gem of a vintage find. Gorgeous Spider Web Illusion Back Maxi Dress from Etsy store VINTAGEVAVAVOOMZ. $395.00. Click image for link.

Reel You In Satin Slip Dress from Dolls Kill. Only a limited number of sizes left. £69/$78. Click image for link.

A tight-fitting, black spider web inspired 2001 A/W Couture Thierry Mugler. £7,989.69. Click image for link.

The perfect accompaniment for a spider style dress. Black Satin Spiders Web Monroe Clutch Bag by Lulu Guinness. £255. Click image for link.

Please let me know in the comments what you think of this evocative design style. Is a spider web inspired dress something that you would choose to wear? Thank you for reading and happy Halloween, Gina.

If you have found this post interesting, you may enjoy reading the following posts by 'American Duchess', 'Lady K Loves' and 'The Closet Historian', which also delve into the vintage glamour of spider web designs:

https://blog.americanduchess.com/2022/11/oh-what-a-tangled-web-we-weave-into-our-clothes-spiderweb-motifs-in-fashion.html

https://www.lady-k-loves.com/uncategorised/spiderweb-in-fashion/#.X5Wj1FP7SGQ

http://theclosethistorian.blogspot.com/2016/10/sunday-spotlight-spider-web.html

Writing sources

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/these-spiders-spring-off-their-mates-to-avoid-sexual-cannibalism/#:~:text=In%20a%20grisly%20practice%20known,have%20a%20strong%20physical%20advantage.

Unlinked Image Sources

https://blog.americanduchess.com/2022/11/oh-what-a-tangled-web-we-weave-into-our-clothes-spiderweb-motifs-in-fashion.html

https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O699511/fashion-design-jules-de-ban/

https://hautekills.tumblr.com/post/138039762742/schiaparelli-haute-couture-ss-2016

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/391977

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/82635

https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fashion/zendaya-valentino-dress-spider-man-premiere-48648264#photo-48648303

https://vlada-sasha-natasha.tumblr.com/post/118717122423/vlada-sasha-natasha-gottex-ss-06

Less is More with Dainty Jewellery

Embrace the subtle charm of minimalism with these delicate jewellery picks

Jewellery doesn't always need to make a flashy statement. Sometimes, opting for minimalist pieces in a maximalist world can stand out. One star who appreciates this is identical twin, Youtuber and musician, Vanessa Merrell. Dainty gold necklaces are a common component of her enviable style.

In this May 2023 Insta image of Vanessa Merrell, she is wearing vintage Chanel sunglasses and a dainty necklace.

I've searched through a wide range of dainty gems, online and in physical stores, for the prettiest petite keepsakes. The delicate sparkle of these timeless, dainty jewellery items will have you feeling ultra-feminine and elegant:

Everyone suits the colour green. Tamara dainty necklace by American brand, Ellie Vail. £59/$71. Made of waterproof and hypoallergenic stainless steel and cubic zirconia. Ellie Vail ship worldwide. Click image for link.

Simple, dainty and chic. Elk & Bloom dainty 14k gold chain. Reduced at Debenhams to £45 from £60. Click image for link.

I really love how dainty and sweet 2mm earrings look. Spanish Etsy shop OhanaJewelsShop sell a wide range of adorable, dainty stud earrings. Styles can be bought in gold, silver or rose gold and are made of sterling silver and/or 18k gold plating. Click image for link.

Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti Diamonds by the Yard necklace in 18k yellow gold with a bezel-set round brilliant diamond. Price depends upon carat weight, with the .05 costing £955. Click image for link. Both the Diamonds by the Yard and the Color by the Yard collections include a wide variety of dainty jewellery pieces.

The Sapphire Bezel Bracelet in silver from Brilliant Earth. £155. These dainty and elegant bracelets are available with a range of gem stones and in silver or 18k white gold. Brilliant Earth use recycled gold and silver in the creation of their jewellery. Click image for link.

Sparkling and dainty Accessorize flower pendant necklace. Made of sterling silver and cubic zirconia. £20. Click image for link. Matching earrings are also available.

Mila dainty cubic zirconia ring from PRYA (who offer global shipping). Available with choice of one, two or three cubic zirconia stones and made of 18k gold plated stainless steel. Prices ranging from £16 to £18/ $20 to $23.

This cute buy is a beautiful symbol of freedom. 18k gold plated bird necklace by Elk & Bloom. Made of sterling silver coated in 18k gold. £40 if bought from Not On the High St.

Lisa Angel freshwater pearl bracelet in silver. Made of sterling silver plated brass. Also available in rose gold £18/$23. LIsa Angel have a range of dainty bracelets available and ship globally. Click image for link.

Let me know in the comments which of the dainty jewellery items you like the most. Also, do you prefer dainty or statement jewellery and why? Thank you for viewing, Gina.

Non-linked Image Sources

Vanessa Merrell's Instagram Account- https://www.instagram.com/vanessamerrell/

10 Cute and Unique Evening Bags

You will want to save these pretty and intricate handbags for the most special of occasions

I've been on the lookout for standout evening bags. While many handbags are similar in style, the following ten are sure to generate comments. Ranging in design and price, the standout features of these evening bags include crystals, faux pearls, intricate beads, satin, mother of pearl, transparency and faux feathers. I haven't included handbags made of animal leather or animal feathers as this is my own preference. These cute bags are sure to add distinctive style to your outfit and become a keepsake:

Skinnydip bags always stand out! Skinnydip butterfly design pearl and bead bag, for spring and summer vibes. Reduced to £16 from £32. Click image for link.

Ultra-feminine and intricate Dream Sister Jane embellished pearl and bead bag in cream co-ord. £55. Sister Jane are really worth looking into for unusual and feminine pieces. Click image for link.

Pink Meleni crystal encrusted resin bag from L'Alingi. Available in a range of colours. I also love the rainbow design. £975. Click image for link.

ASOS Design white faux feather clutch bag with resin handle. £26. Click image for link.

True Decadence clear/transparent heart clutch bag with faux pearl handle. £24. Click image for link.

For if you can't choose between feathers and beads, Boohoo white bead embellished grab bag with white feathers. Made of 100% synthetic materials. Reduced to £31.50 from £42.00. Click image for link.

Parfois party handbag with beads in a gorgeous, rich shade of purple. Also available in a white design. £35.99. Click image for link.

Daisy Street satin grab bag/ pouch with shoulder strap in green. £25. To me, this one has a retro/90's look. Click image for link.

Germanier yellow upcycled-bead bag. Reduced to £233 from £518. Click image for link.

Luxury Athena mother of pearl clutch bag by Freya Rose. £995. Click image for link.

Please let me know, in the comments, which evening bag you like the most and why? I particularly love the mother of pearl clutch bag as it's versatile and could be treasured for a lifetime. Thank you for viewing, Gina.