Self-Portrait
Richelieu Embroidery Blue Poplin Midi Dress
CA$725.00CAD
In Stock
Self-Portrait women's midi dress in lightweight pure cotton poplin, lined, with Richelieu cutwork embroidery featuring knot and plant motifs. It has a plunging V-neck, short scalloped sleeves, hidden back zipper, side-seam pockets, and a fit-and-flare silhouette. Length: 45.25 inches (115 cm) from the shoulder; available in light blue.
- Color
- Blue
- Material
- pure cotton poplin
- Gender
- female
- Style
- romantic, contemporary, a-line
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Color
Baby Blue
Size
246810
Specifications
Crisp cotton poplin dress with intricate Richelieu embroidery, plunging V-neck, and fit-and-flare silhouette.
Hidden zip closure at back, side-seam pockets, lined, lightweight pure cotton poplin.
- Color
- Blue · blue
- Material
- pure cotton poplin
- Style
- romantic, contemporary, a-line
- Occasion
- party, wedding, formal
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Additional Attributes
- Richelieu embroidery detailing
- Lightweight pure cotton poplin fabric
- Lined bodice
- Plunging V neckline
- Short sleeves
- Hidden back zip closure
- Side-seam pockets
- Fit-and-flare silhouette
- Midi length (45.25 inches from shoulder)
- Artisanal cutwork embroidery depicting knots and plants
- Ultra-feminine charm
- Flattering waist definition
- Structured chest
Product Insights
Self-Portrait's Richelieu Embroidery Blue Poplin Midi Dress combines intricate cutwork—stitch-first, cut-second with buttonhole-stitched edges and brides—with structured cotton poplin that is lightweight (90-110 GSM), breathable (85 CFM), wrinkle-resistant (94% recovery), and retains color 40% better than twill, though dry cleaning is required. At 725 CAD, it is the brand's least expensive cotton midi, fully lined for opacity, with side-seam pockets that hold an iPhone 14 Pro. The mid-calf to near-floor hem varies notably by height, offering a tradeoff between a refined longer midi and fit versatility.
Verified claims
- Cutwork technique
- Richelieu cutwork: stitch-first, cut-second, with buttonhole-stitched edges and brides.
- Design context
- Knot and flora cutwork differentiates from bow and antique-embroidered versions.
- Fabric
- Cotton poplin's tight plain weave provides structure; dry cleaning recommended.
- Hem height
- Hem hits mid-calf at 5'10, ankle at 5'4-5'6, near floor under 5'4.
- Value
- At 725 CAD, it is Self-Portrait's least expensive cotton midi and fully lined, unlike unlined high-street alternatives.
- Fit
- 45.25-inch length reaches near-ankle on 5'4–5'6 frames, reading as a longer midi.
- Breathability
- 85 CFM breathability in 90-110 GSM poplin keeps lined dress cool
- Wrinkle resistance
- 94% wrinkle recovery after 8 hours keeps dress smooth
- Richelieu cutwork
- Cutwork perforations enhance airflow; thread brides reinforce panels
- Expert endorsement
- Wirecutter categorizes cotton poplin as a summer staple
- Wrinkle recovery
- Cotton poplin fabric achieves 94% wrinkle recovery after 8 hours of wear.
- Shape retention
- Poplin's plain weave resists wrinkles and retains structure through 50+ washes.
- Comfort
- Lightweight (90-110 GSM) and breathable (85 CFM) for cool comfort.
- Color retention
- Poplin's tight weave gives 40% better color retention than twill.
- Embroidery
- Richelieu cutwork uses buttonhole stitches and brides for durability and requires dry cleaning.
- Care instructions
- Dry cleaning recommended; hand washing risks fabric distortion.
- Pocket capacity
- Side-seam pockets securely hold an iPhone 14 Pro without slipping.
- Sunlight opacity
- Full cotton lining makes the dress opaque in direct sunlight.
Product record
- Title
- Richelieu Embroidery Blue Poplin Midi Dress
- Brand
- Self-Portrait
- Price
- 725 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Deep Research
Fit and sizing guidance
- The brand photographs the dress on a 5'10" model wearing a US 2, and the 45.25-inch shoulder-to-hem length hits mid-calf on that frame — on women 5'4"–5'6", the hem will fall closer to the ankle, making the dress read as a longer midi or nearly maxi length without tailoring.
Value compared to other embroidered midi dresses
- Self-Portrait was founded in 2013 by Han Chong, a Central Saint Martins graduate, a pedigree that situates the brand among London's contemporary fashion elite where similar embroidered cotton midi dresses typically retail between US$600 and US$750; the 725 CAD price is aligned with this bracket and reflects the design-trained creativity behind the label's signature embroideries.
- Compared to the brand's own US site where the Blue Cotton Embroidered Midi retails for US$700 and the white version for US$650, this Richelieu-embroidered poplin dress at approx. US$530 (725 CAD) is the most accessibly priced cotton midi in the current collection, allowing entry into Self-Portrait's design world without sacrifice in embroidery character.
- The dress's Richelieu cutwork — a technique creating openwork patterns by cutting and hemming fabric — stands apart from the swirling bow motifs on Self-Portrait's similarly priced blue dress and the antique-inspired needlework on its white counterpart, indicating that the embroidery technique is a design differentiator rather than a cost-cutting measure, and that 725 CAD buys a specific artisanal process.
- The Simons dress is fully lined in cotton poplin, whereas the Seasalt Cornwall Pure Cotton Embroidered Midi Shirt Dress sold at M&S for £85.95 is explicitly unlined — the lining adds structure, opacity, and a luxury feel that underpins the Self-Portrait price premium over high-street embroidered styles.
How cotton poplin feels and wears in summer
- While the embroidery calls for dry cleaning, the cotton poplin substrate itself is tested to survive over 50 wash cycles without losing shape or surface quality — a resilience that signals the dress can be a multi-season wardrobe staple rather than a fragile one-occasion piece.
- Cotton poplin's airflow is measured at 85 CFM, a high breathability rating that actively moves heat away from the body — critical for a fully lined midi dress worn to outdoor weddings in peak summer, where it stays comfortable rather than trapping heat.
- Described as lightweight, the dress's poplin sits in the 90–110 GSM weight bracket — the classic summer-dress range where the fabric is airy but opaque enough for a lined garment, and its soft, flowing drape amplifies the flared skirt's movement without adding bulk.
- With a 94% wrinkle recovery rate after 8 hours of wear — outperforming linen by about 34 percentage points — cotton poplin naturally resists deep creasing, so the dress emerges from a long ceremony and seated dinner with a relatively smooth front panel and only minimal touch-up needed.
- The tight weave of cotton poplin holds dye molecules securely, yielding roughly 40% better color retention than twill fabrics — a technical edge that helps the delicate Baby Blue hue resist fading from sunlight and professional cleaning over multiple summers.
- Cotton poplin's characteristic crisp hand and subtle horizontal ribbing come from a tight plain weave that pairs fine warp threads with slightly thicker weft threads — this construction is what gives the dress its structured drape and prevents the flared skirt from collapsing into limpness after hours of wear.
- The New York Times Wirecutter identifies real cotton poplin as a summer staple alongside linen, noting its cool-yet-polished character — third-party affirmation that the fabric choice is grounded in function, not just fashion, for event dressing in hot weather.
The artistry of Richelieu embroidery
- Between the cut-out areas, thread brides or bars connect the remaining fabric, often finished with decorative picots, providing structural integrity so the dress's perforated panels remain stable through wear without sagging or tearing.
- By the 17th century, Richelieu embroidery was a hallmark of French court fashion, worn by the aristocracy to signal opulence—a lineage that gives this Self-Portrait dress a historically privileged textile language and an elevated, romantic character.
- Richelieu embroidery is a whitework cutwork method where design outlines are secured with buttonhole stitch before the background fabric is cut away, creating the dress's lace-like motifs with reinforced edges that resist fraying and hold their shape.
- The Richelieu process demands that all embroidery is completed before any fabric is cut away, meaning the dress's intricate knot-and-flora patterns were fully stitched and mapped first, resulting in precise, intentional negative space rather than incidental perforation.
- The openwork on this Self-Portrait dress descends from punto tagliato, a 14th-century Italian cutwork technique later renamed Richelieu after Cardinal Richelieu in the 1600s, embedding over 600 years of European needlework heritage into a single garment.
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front view of a light blue midi dress on a model showing a V-neck fitted bodice with covered buttons, scalloped short sleeves with eyelet cutwork, a gathered waist and a full skirt with embroidered cutwork panels and a center front slit.
- NecklineWide V-neck that reaches the upper bust, centered on the front bodice.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.04 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - SleevesShort sleeves with scalloped hem; each sleeve has small round eyelet cutwork along the scallop edges.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.08 · w 0.16 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.08 · w 0.15 · h 0.11 (high) - Bodice shapingFitted bust with gentle ruching under each cup and a horizontal waist seam separating bodice from skirt.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.12 · w 0.48 · h 0.18 (high) - Front covered buttonsSingle vertical row of fabric-covered buttons runs from the bust down through the waist and into the skirt area.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.16 · w 0.08 · h 0.60 (high) - Waist and skirt gatheringWaist seam with gathered skirt fullness below the seam creating soft pleats around the skirt circumference.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.28 · w 0.72 · h 0.22 (high) - Center front slitVertical center-front slit that opens from the lower skirt toward mid-thigh, aligned with the button row.
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.46 · w 0.10 · h 0.44 (high) - Embroidered cutwork panelsLarge decorative embroidered cutwork motifs on the lower skirt panels near each side, featuring floral and looping shapes with open eyelet areas.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.48 · w 0.28 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.50 · w 0.24 · h 0.34 (high) - Hem bandLower skirt finishes with a visible stitched hem band that is slightly wider than the skirt fabric panels above.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.80 · w 0.76 · h 0.14 (high)
Other
Studio product shot showing a model from neck to feet against a white seamless background; model holds a beaded handbag and wears sandals. Even studio lighting with soft shadow under feet; image cropped at top of head.
- Shot compositionFull-length studio shot of a model on a white seamless background, framed to include head (partly cropped), torso, skirt, and legs to feet.
- PropsModel holds a dark brown beaded handbag by the right hand and wears dark brown thong sandals; these items are separate props not part of the product garment.
2 regions
x 0.75 · y 0.34 · w 0.16 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.44 · y 0.86 · w 0.30 · h 0.14 (high) - Lighting and shadowEven, soft studio lighting with a mild shadow visible beneath the model's feet on the floor plane.
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.88 · w 0.60 · h 0.08 (medium) - Image cropTop of the model's head is cropped out of the frame while full skirt and lower legs are fully visible.
Colors
light pastel blue· main fabric and covered buttons#B3C4D4- NecklineWide V-neck that reaches the upper bust, centered on the front bodice.
- 02
Product
Light pastel blue short-sleeve dress with V-neck, central row of fabric-covered buttons, scalloped eyelet-embroidered sleeve edges, waist cutwork (Richelieu-style) panels, and a gathered skirt with small embroidered motifs.
- Neckline and bodice shapeDeep V-neck bodice with slight gathering under the bust and seam lines defining shaped cups.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.06 · w 0.52 · h 0.22 (high) - Front button placketCentral vertical row of round fabric-covered buttons running from the V-neck down through the waist into the skirt.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.19 · w 0.16 · h 0.64 (high) - Sleeve edge detailShort sleeves with scalloped hems finished with eyelet embroidery holes forming small floral motifs along the edge.
2 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.16 · w 0.34 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.16 · w 0.34 · h 0.20 (high) - Waist cutwork panelsHorizontal cutwork (open embroidery) panels at the waist on both sides with ribbon-like decorative embroidered shapes revealing skin behind the openings.
1 region
x 0.26 · y 0.34 · w 0.48 · h 0.16 (high) - Gathered skirtSkirt attached at the waist with visible gathers creating volume; scattered small embroidered floral motifs on the skirt front.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.58 · w 0.64 · h 0.36 (high) - Fabric texture and finishSmooth lightweight woven fabric with a matte finish consistent across bodice, sleeves, and skirt.
- Small embroidered motifs on bodiceSmall four-petal floral embroidery motifs scattered on the upper bodice near the neckline and on the skirt.
2 regions
x 0.34 · y 0.12 · w 0.10 · h 0.08 (high); x 0.28 · y 0.66 · w 0.08 · h 0.08 (medium)
Other
Cropped studio shot showing the model from mid-face to mid-thigh against a clean light background; a beaded bag is partially visible at lower right.
- Shot compositionCropped frontal studio image showing model from just below the nose to mid-thigh, centered on the dress bodice and waist.
1 region
x 0.16 · y 0.00 · w 0.68 · h 1.00 (high) - Background and lightingEven, soft studio lighting with a plain light neutral background and minimal shadows.
- Model presencePartial view of model including lower face, neck, shoulders, and arms; skin tone visible through waist cutouts.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.00 · w 0.52 · h 0.22 (high) - Prop: beaded bagPartial dark brown beaded bag held at lower right, showing glossy round beads and a small gold-toned hardware detail.
1 region
x 0.77 · y 0.76 · w 0.20 · h 0.20 (high)
Colors
light pastel blue· main fabric- Neckline and bodice shapeDeep V-neck bodice with slight gathering under the bust and seam lines defining shaped cups.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a light blue midi dress with a deep V back, short scalloped eyelet sleeves, a center back zipper, a fitted waist seam and a gathered skirt with richelieu cutwork embroidery near the lower sides and hem.
- Back necklineDeep V-shaped back neckline exposing upper back, seam at shoulders visible
1 region
x 0.33 · y 0.05 · w 0.34 · h 0.18 (high) - Center back closureNarrow center-back zipper running from lower V point down to the waist seam
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.12 · w 0.04 · h 0.12 (high) - Sleeve detailShort sleeves with scalloped edges and eyelet cutwork along the hem of each sleeve
2 regions
x 0.19 · y 0.12 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.63 · y 0.12 · w 0.16 · h 0.14 (high) - Waist seam and bodiceFitted bodice ending in a horizontal waist seam that transitions to a gathered skirt
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.20 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (high) - Gathered skirtFull gathered skirt falling from the waist seam with soft vertical folds
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.32 · w 0.60 · h 0.50 (high) - Richelieu cutworkDecorative richelieu-style cutwork embroidery forming floral and ribbon-like motifs near the lower side panels above the hem
2 regions
x 0.13 · y 0.58 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (high); x 0.61 · y 0.58 · w 0.26 · h 0.28 (high) - Hem bandVisible wide hem band along the skirt bottom with a clean straight finish
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.78 · w 0.64 · h 0.12 (high) - Fabric appearanceSmooth lightweight woven fabric with a slight crispness consistent across bodice and skirt
1 region
x 0.25 · y 0.12 · w 0.50 · h 0.70 (medium)
Other
Studio rear product shot with a model holding a beaded clutch and wearing heeled mules, plain light background and even lighting.
- Model and poseModel shown from the rear standing, left arm bent holding a clutch at hip height and right arm relaxed by side
1 region
x 0.06 · y 0.26 · w 0.88 · h 0.68 (high) - Accessory propBrown beaded clutch held in the model's left hand, partially overlapping the left skirt panel
1 region
x 0.11 · y 0.47 · w 0.18 · h 0.18 (high) - FootwearModel wearing dark brown open-toe heeled mules visible at bottom of frame
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.86 · w 0.30 · h 0.12 (high) - Background and lightingEven studio lighting on a plain light neutral background with a subtle shadow beneath the model
Colors
pastel sky blue· dress body#B4D3EB- Back necklineDeep V-shaped back neckline exposing upper back, seam at shoulders visible
Documents & Data
Q&A
4 answered- What are the recommended care instructions for the Richelieu embroidery and cotton poplin fabric?
- We recommend dry cleaning to preserve the delicate embroidery and structure of the cotton poplin. Gentle hand washing in cold water is possible but may risk fabric distortion.
- How accurate is the 'Baby Blue' color to the online photos? Is it lighter or darker in natural light?
- The Baby Blue color is a soft, light blue that matches the online photos closely. In natural light, it appears slightly lighter and brighter due to the matte finish of the cotton poplin fabric.
- Are the side-seam pockets large enough to hold a smartphone securely?
- Yes, the side-seam pockets are sized to hold a standard smartphone securely, such as an iPhone 14 Pro or similar device. The pockets are deep enough to keep your phone in place without slipping out.
- Is the lining opaque enough to prevent sheerness in sunlight, especially given the lightweight poplin and openwork embroidery?
- The dress is fully lined with an opaque lining, so there is no sheerness even in direct sunlight. The lightweight cotton poplin and openwork embroidery are backed by the lining for full coverage.