Does anyone remember Artigiano?

[gardenmusic]

I am losing hope that I will ever have new clothes.
I am wearing my old Artigiano, old Jaeger, and a little Phase Eight. Then jeans and more jeans.
The quality of the clothing that I bought 10/15 years ago is far superior to anything I am trying now. It all seems clingy and see through.
I need a dress for 'going out' must be midi, and plainish, with sleeves. Proper midi, not knee length.
I am quite big boobed, so no high necks, but I can't fill a very low neck, cut for the larger breasted lady!
I am 5ft 10, size 14.
I think that although I am slightly over weight, I must have a small frame. There seems to be too much fabric! Just tried Alie Street London Heidi dress, which I thought was my style, but it swamped me.
I need clear strong colours. I have fair skin and black/grey hair - I look like Snow White. Her clothes would suit me. I don't want pre worn.
I don't have a budget, I like The Fold, but that is too expensive.
Can anyone help dress this freak of nature, please?
I am trying to laugh, but really I could cry. Many thanks in advance.

@gardenmusic have you looked at David Nieper https://www.davidnieper.co.uk/

I remember Artigiano and still have some work dresses from there - although they don’t get many outings since our dress code changed!

Yoh could try here https://www.elizabeth-rose.com/Mobile/en/Dresses/m-c-11.aspx?SortBy=NewestDesc - the Gerry Weber dresses in particular might suit?

Evenstar, This company is excellent quality, but I am not keen on patterns.
If anyone else likes David Neiper, they do alterations to their own clothes, so you can customise a little. Come up a bit big, too.

CeliaCanth,
I don't live far from Elizabeth Rose - I have bought Gerry Weber there in the past, I will pop in.

I was also going to suggest local independent shops. Many of them stock European lines which seem much better than our high street choices.
A few of the ones I follow do short videos to showcase new stock.

If you find a brand you like Google it and then stockists will appear and that takes you into lots of different brands. The issue is that returns have to paid for with most of these shops.

Gemini clothing
Sister Online
Woodlane of Doune
L Occasionwear

Cable, these are all new to me, thanks I will have a look.

Gemini is in Stratford upon Avon, if that's either near or you fancy a weekend away 😂 I've ordered things from them and been happy. Very good customer service.

Oh and there is Jude Law Boutique which I think is in Northern Ireland. The owner does little videos and reels of new stock, a lot of it is from European brands.

https://jude-law.co.uk/

Because they made good quality classic clothes.

I just sold a size 14 long midi Artigiano linen dress on Vinted! Maybe you should look on there?

OP have you looked on eBay? There's a lot of new with tags Artigiano dresses that look like the sort of thing you're looking for, like this one.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/133041625861?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=3cy4FLY0Si-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VTLE4e76TS2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Or this one is probably a better length.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/385195061710?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=905kn1gusac&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=VTLE4e76TS2&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Peter Hahn has ceased trading.
Shall we all bang our heads together?

I hope some of the suggestions help, OP. I'm quite a classic dresser (but no florals!) and it's hard to find things like that on the high street.

BatshitCrazyWoman,
Thank you, yes, I am working my way through.
I prefer very plain clothes. Everything seems floral, or ' ditsy' ot tie at the back!
Just bought a Sosander 'denim' skirt. Actually quite thin cotton, rather than denim, but desperation calls, and it does fit nicely. No belt loops, so am seeking a wide suede or leather belt. Like the tan whipstitch one in Hobbs, but baulk at £69 for a belt I will rarely use. Have seen one in FatFace for £29 which is 'mink', which I might order.

I also remember Artigano and used to buy from them . Lots of smart workwear separates .
As you are tall OP have you looked at Cos?
Also Uniqlo has some plain linen pieces which look good this season . Just look carefully at the sizing / measurements as the returns process is slow .
And a current source for me is Toast but only in the sales . Likely to be a sale mid June . You need to sign up to website for early access and be ready to pounce !

Thanks, Gonegrey, I had never thought of Cos. I will google.
I will have a look at Toast, but I have long legs and a long back - you wouldn't want to be stuck behind me at the theatre - I though Toast was for the more average sizes?

I’m 5ft 5 so on short side and maybe some Toast items wouldn’t be suitable but worth a look or better still try on at one of the shops to get an idea . I like the plain floaty dresses and tunics , some of them are too
long for me . Hope this helps ! And you are not a freak , please don’t say that even in jest , you sound elegant and stylish and know what you want. I agree that small independent shops are also likely to be worth visiting.

5'5" is taller than average.

Gonegrey31 You are very kind. Everyone is being so helpful.
I really am a dead ringer for Snow White! A very elderly Snow White. I clash with myself.
I dressed up in a Snow White costume for a fancy dress once, and everyone said how much it suited me! That's me sorted, then. Might raise a few eyebrows in Tesco.

My best colours are ultraviolet, cobalt and fuchsia - I would wear them on the top, but maybe only the cobalt or another clear bright as a dress.
If colours are muted I really look extinguished - which narrows down my choices even more.
Today we went for a pub lunch. I am in rolled up jeans and a navy/white striped breton (took me ages to find one long enough) Today I pass, but I would be in trouble if we went anywhere smarter.
I have to get my head round this - I let it ride for too long.

What about Long Tall Sally?

I own loads and loads of Artigiano! Some of the knitwear's worn out but the shirts and suiting last for ages. I really miss them too, for work stuff especially.

I quite like Desigual. It's colourful and well made.

A German brand that targets a similar demographic is Bonita. I bought some things from them a decade ago on a trip there and they're still in great condition.

A German brand, Mona, own the Artigiano label actually, but they only sell a few items and the quality's not as good although the prices are higher.

I look like Molly Weasley!!

Hi, Ilovemyshed,
I used to buy in there many years ago - I used to arrange my work so that I ended up in Tunbridge Wells where there used to be a shop.
I was lucky with the tops and jumpers, but these days I find the quality has gone down a lot. I don't like the fabrics anymore.

Having said that, I did buy a nice bath robe from there last year.

I find Toast tops generally too short. I'm "only" 5'8" but my height is all in my torso.

I have had some recent success in terms of length and quality from Espirit.