Rick Owens
Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress
This is the Rick Owens Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress, a long one-shoulder maxi dress crafted from 100% virgin wool fine knit and made in Italy. It features an asymmetrical draped neckline, deep side slits, a raw hem, and a total length of 55 inches (140 cm) from the shoulder. Designed for formal occasions such as celebrity red-carpet events, consumer discussions note that its close-fitting silhouette may be less flattering on larger busts and can appear unforgiving on some body types.
- Color
- deep black
- Material
- 100% virgin wool
- Gender
- female
- Style
- minimalist, gothic, edgy
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Specifications
Long, slim-fit dress in 100% virgin wool with asymmetric draped shoulders and deep side slits, featuring a minimalist gothic aesthetic.
Asymmetrical drape, slim fit, deep side slits, logo knit strip on back, made in Italy.
- Color
- deep black · black
- Material
- 100% virgin wool
- Style
- minimalist, gothic, edgy
- Occasion
- formal, party
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Clothing > Dresses
Additional Attributes
- asymmetrical gathered drape reminiscent of antique statues
- 100% virgin wool fine knit
- slim fit silhouette
- asymmetric shoulder line
- deep side slits for movement
- logo knit strip on back
- made in Italy
- long dress length (55 inches)
- rib-knit texture
- monochromatic black design
Product Insights
Rick Owens’s Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress, at 99.95 CAD in four alpha sizes X-Small to Large with no half-step and no size-based price penalty, is currently out of stock in all four sizes with no in-stock alternate. Its clearest point of view is the asymmetric drape that is a house signature dating to 1994: gathering—not knit stretch—forms a sculptural one-shoulder volume, creates a statue-like drape, intentionally distorts the wearer’s outline, and, via a 140 cm shoulder-to-hem drop, elongates the silhouette as the designer’s primary goal. The core promise is a made-in-Italy, fine-gauge virgin wool column that can be worn against bare skin and lived in rather than treated as delicate occasion wear: vertical knit-and-purl wales carve a fine rib so the slim cut reads sculpted rather than tight, panels are hand-linked on 1960s-era puntino knitwear machines and fit-checked, the washing finish supplies the soft unprickly hand, the back logo is knit into the wool so the back stays one continuous plane, and there are no visible closures, zippers, or fasteners to break the column; deep black is chosen to mask wear and the knit is built to be worn into the ground; mid-weight wool works standalone in spring and fall and layers under a coat when cold. The main tradeoff is that the same sculptural, unforgiving 100% virgin wool fine knit lacks significant stretch and is slim-fitting, so between sizes the guidance is to size up, and the deep side slits open with movement and bare the thigh when walking or sitting, requiring high-cut or seamless undergarments; buyers also report sagging and wrinkling with extended wear, the knit stretches with wear, and 24-hour rest plus flat storage prevent permanent sagging, while any wool sensitivity is limited to the shoulder, where a thin camisole resolves it.
Verified claims
- Design
- Asymmetric drape is a Rick Owens house signature dating back to 1994.
- Side slits
- Deep side slits open with movement and bare the thigh when walking or sitting.
- Construction craft
- Made in Italy, with panels hand-linked on old machines and the logo knitted in.
- Skin feel
- Fine-gauge virgin wool is smooth enough to wear against bare skin.
- Sizing
- If between sizes, size up: the 100% virgin wool fine knit lacks significant stretch and the slim fit is unforgiving on many body types.
- Drape
- Asymmetric gathering sculpts a statue-like drape that re-shapes the wearer's outline.
- Elongation
- The 140 cm shoulder-to-hem drop elongates the silhouette, the designer's stated primary goal.
- Sagging
- Buyers report sagging and wrinkling with extended wear.
- Wear-in intent
- The virgin wool column is meant to be lived in and aged, not treated as delicate occasion wear.
- Wear philosophy
- Deep black is chosen to mask wear, and the knit is built to be worn into the ground.
- Silhouette
- Asymmetric gathering is meant to distort the wearer's outline, so the off-kilter fit is intended.
- Wool sensitivity
- Any wool sensitivity is limited to the shoulder, where a thin camisole resolves it.
- Knit texture
- Vertical knit-and-purl wales carve the fine rib so the slim cut reads sculpted, not tight.
- Coverage
- Deep side slits expose the thigh when walking or sitting; wear high-cut or seamless undergarments.
- Shape retention
- The knit stretches with wear; 24-hour rest and flat storage prevent permanent sagging.
- Gathering
- The sculptural one-shoulder volume is gathered fabric, not knit stretch
- Knit finishing
- The soft, unprickly hand comes from the washing finish, not the wool alone.
- Hand assembly
- Panels are linked by hand and fit-checked on 1960s-era puntino knitwear machines.
- Back logo
- Back logo is knit into the wool, not applied, so the back stays one continuous plane.
- Hardware
- The dress has no visible closures, zippers, or fasteners, keeping the column unbroken.
- Seasonal range
- Mid-weight virgin wool knit works standalone in spring and fall and layers under a coat when cold
- Size options
- Four alpha sizes, X-Small to Large, with no half-step between them.
- Size availability
- All four sizes are out of stock, with no in-stock alternate to fall back on.
- Price parity
- All four sizes carry the same listed price, so size choice carries no price penalty.
Product record
- Title
- Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress
- Brand
- Rick Owens
- Price
- 99.95 CAD
- Availability
- Out of stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 13 sourcesUses
A one-shoulder maxi for dressy evenings
This ankle-length rib-knit dress suits occasions when you want a sleek, designer silhouette, with its asymmetric one-shoulder neckline and deep side slits adding drama. Made from 100% virgin wool fine knit described by the retailer as soft and comfortable, it offers a slim, form-fitting fit that narrows at the waist and falls straight to the hem. The continuous vertical rib texture runs from bodice through skirt for a cohesive, sculpted look.[1,2]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress: Choose this if you want a dramatic statement maxi in a quintessential Rick Owens deep black, with an asymmetric one-shoulder, off-shoulder design, fine rib-knit texture in soft 100% virgin wool (per the retailer listing; one other source describes a viscose blend), deep side slits, and an apparently raw, frayed hem. It is a slim, body-skimming fit measuring about 55 inches (140 cm) from the top of the shoulder, with a draped open back and a logo knit strip, made in Italy in sizes X-Small to Large. Note that it requires hand washing and the fitted, exposed-shoulder cut may not suit those wanting more coverage.[1,2,3,4,5] | Temple Long Sleeves Dress: Choose this if you want a skin-revealing, form-fitting black maxi knit with an edgy, minimal look: it is a high-stretch viscose blend (96% viscose, 4% spandex) in an extra-long fitted cut, about 64.25 inches (163 cm) from the top of the shoulder, with visible geometric panel stitching at the bust, a raw hem, and a curved back slit that reveals the lower calves. It is described by the retailer as a bold interpretation of the little black dress with an impression of form-fitting weightlessness, though the thin fabric shows slight sheerness over curved areas like the bust and hip, and images show slight pulling at the hip.[6,7,8,9] | Amplified Cami Pure Silk Maxi Dress: Choose this if you want a minimalist, ultra-long silk maxi with dramatic drape: it is cut from sheer 100% silk with a plunging scoop neckline, very low armholes, narrow straps, vertical slit pockets, and a loose fit measuring about 179 cm (70.5 inches) from the shoulder, pooling into a small train at the hem. Its fluid, sleeveless silhouette is fitted only at the shoulder and upper back, so it suits those comfortable with an unstructured shape. Note that the fabric is semi-transparent and visibly reveals undergarments beneath, with a short opaque underlayer shown in photos covering only the upper hips and ending above mid-thigh.[10,11,12,13] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Close-fitting, one-shoulder rib-knit long dress in black with asymmetric draped neckline, a high side slit on the left, and a raw frayed hem visible at the ankle.
- SilhouetteForm-fitting maxi dress that follows the body's contours from bust to ankle with a narrow skirt profile.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.84 (high) - Neckline and shoulderAsymmetrical one-shoulder design with fabric wrapping across the chest from the right shoulder toward the left, leaving the model's left shoulder exposed.
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.02 · w 0.46 · h 0.26 (high) - Sleeve/arm openingSleeveless on the exposed side with a fitted arm opening on the covered side that follows the shoulder seam.
1 region
x 0.27 · y 0.16 · w 0.30 · h 0.30 (high) - Fabric textureVertical rib-knit texture visible across the dress surface, creating fine linear ribs in the fabric.
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.20 · w 0.40 · h 0.60 (high) - Side slitHigh side slit on the dress's left side that reveals the model's left leg from mid-thigh to ankle.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.38 · w 0.20 · h 0.55 (high) - Hem detailBottom hem appears raw and slightly frayed with an irregular edge at the ankle.
1 region
x 0.29 · y 0.78 · w 0.42 · h 0.12 (high) - Closure and seamsNo visible closures, zippers, or fasteners on the visible front and side; seams are minimal and follow the dress contours.
Other
Studio product shot showing a model wearing the dress against a neutral light-gray seamless background with soft even lighting; black heeled sandals and model pose are visible.
- BackgroundUniform light-gray seamless backdrop occupying the full image behind the model.
- Model and poseFemale model standing facing forward with weight shifted slightly, arms relaxed at sides; head partially visible cropped at the top.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.00 · w 0.76 · h 0.96 (medium) - Styling - shoesBlack open-toe heeled sandals with two padded straps are visible on the model's feet; shoes sit on the studio floor and cast soft shadows.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.86 · w 0.28 · h 0.12 (high) - Lighting and shadowEven, diffuse studio lighting with soft shadows beneath the model and no harsh highlights.
- Image qualityHigh-resolution clear image with visible fabric detail and sharp edges; no motion blur.
Colors
deep black· dress body#0E0D0D- SilhouetteForm-fitting maxi dress that follows the body's contours from bust to ankle with a narrow skirt profile.
- 02
Product
Left-side profile of a long, fitted black rib-knit dress with a high side slit and draped upper back; model wearing black slip-on heeled sandals.
- Silhouette and viewLeft-side profile view showing a floor-length, body-skimming dress that follows the torso and hips and falls straight to the hem.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.88 (high) - Fabric textureVertical rib-knit texture visible across the dress surface, giving a narrow rib pattern.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.14 · w 0.30 · h 0.60 (high) - One-shoulder and upper back drapeAsymmetric upper section with fabric draped over the shoulder and an exposed open-back area beneath the draped panel.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.06 · w 0.36 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.30 · y 0.18 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (medium) - High side slitProminent curved side slit on the left side that opens above the knee and extends toward the hem, revealing the left leg.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.48 · w 0.20 · h 0.44 (high) - Hem finishStraight hem with a slightly raw or unfinished edge visible at the bottom of the dress.Partial
1 region
x 0.30 · y 0.88 · w 0.36 · h 0.08 (medium) - FootwearBlack open-toe slip-on heels with wide crossover straps and a sculpted heel shape.
1 region
x 0.36 · y 0.88 · w 0.24 · h 0.10 (high) - Visible seam linesVertical seam or stitch lines follow the dress contour along the side and around the slit area.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.40 · w 0.10 · h 0.50 (medium)
Other
Studio product shot showing a standing model in profile against a neutral light gray background with soft shadows on the floor.
- Background and stagingEven light gray seamless background with subtle floor shadow beneath the model.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - Shot compositionVertical portrait framing with the model centered slightly left; full body visible from head to feet with minor head crop at top edge.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.00 · w 0.90 · h 1.00 (high) - Model poseModel standing in profile with left arm relaxed and hand near the thigh, weight on the rear leg.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.18 · w 0.28 · h 0.60 (high) - Image qualityHigh-resolution studio image with neutral, soft lighting and clear detail.
Colors
deep black· dress body#0E0D0Cmatte black· shoes#110E0D- Silhouette and viewLeft-side profile view showing a floor-length, body-skimming dress that follows the torso and hips and falls straight to the hem.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a long black rib-knit dress with an asymmetric one-shoulder neckline, visible center back shaping, and a lower side slit exposing the right calf.
- SilhouetteForm-fitting maxi dress seen from the rear, narrowing at the waist and falling straight to an ankle-length hem.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.08 · w 0.64 · h 0.84 (high) - Neckline and shoulderAsymmetric one-shoulder design with the left-shoulder area covered by fabric that rises into a short high collar and the opposite shoulder exposed.
1 region
x 0.24 · y 0.02 · w 0.52 · h 0.26 (high) - Rib-knit textureVertical rib-knit pattern running continuously from bodice through skirt, visible as fine vertical ridges.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.12 · w 0.56 · h 0.70 (high) - Center back seamA visible vertical seam or stitch line runs down the center back of the dress from the waist toward the hem.
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.18 · w 0.10 · h 0.56 (high) - Lower side slitOpen vertical slit on the lower right side of the skirt (viewer-right) revealing the model's calf and inner skirt layer.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.56 · w 0.20 · h 0.40 (high) - Hem detailBottom hem appears slightly raw or unfinished with subtle irregular edge rather than a thick folded hem.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.84 · w 0.44 · h 0.12 (medium)
Other
Studio portrait of a model wearing the dress against a seamless light gray background; soft directional lighting from upper-left produces subtle shadowing on the floor and model.
- Model and poseFemale model shown standing on a neutral surface, turned away from the camera with head in three-quarter profile to the left and arms relaxed at sides.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.00 · w 0.76 · h 0.96 (high) - Footwear presentBlack heeled sandals visible at the bottom of the frame worn by the model; shoes are not described as part of the product observations.
2 regions
x 0.38 · y 0.88 · w 0.26 · h 0.10 (high); x 0.64 · y 0.86 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (high) - Background and lightingEven light gray seamless background with soft shadows beneath the model indicating studio lighting from above-left.
Colors
matte black· dress body#0E0D0D- SilhouetteForm-fitting maxi dress seen from the rear, narrowing at the waist and falling straight to an ankle-length hem.
Variants
4 SKUs| SKU | Title | Price | Avail |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4506298 | Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress - X-Small | CA$199.95CA$715.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4506299 | Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress - Small | CA$199.95CA$715.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4506300 | Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress - Medium | CA$199.95CA$715.00 | Out of Stock |
| 4506301 | Athena Rib-Knit Draped Dress - Large | CA$199.95CA$715.00 | Out of Stock |
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/whatthefrockkReddit users find the Rick Owens prong dress to be a polarizing, unforgiving design that only flatters certain body types, with many criticizing its overuse by stylists.
Opinions are divided; some find it stylish on certain celebrities, but many deem it unflattering and criticize its overuse.
Themes
Use Cases
- Celebrity red carpet and event wear
Watch Out For
Source Threads
Opinion that the dress is not for large-chested women
This dress is not for the big chested ladies. Looks good on the small chested though.
u/Deep-Interest9947r/whatthefrockkView thread →