The story of the Moss Rose Dress No. 2

When my mother stitched the Moss Rose you see above, I received yet another proof: the rose is never only a rose.

The Moss Rose entered the world of Telling Roses carrying the Victorian meaning once associated with this particular bloom: a confession of love.

Its intense fragrance, released from the soft moss-like covering surrounding the buds, was the characteristic that gave this rose its symbolic meaning.

The Artist of the Roses — my mother, Bruna Manera — imagined her own interpretation of that mossy, fragrant aura. She did not wish to create a realistic portrait of the flower, but an emotional one.

And there it is: the colorful stitches scattered around the mossy rose almost seem luminous, perfectly expressing that hidden confession of feeling Victorian women once entrusted to this bloom.

But let us step back and look at the entire creation that carries the Moss Rose: the Moss Rose Dress No. 2.

With its almost Amish austerity, the dress gathers together all the elements of a mysterious rose symbol — one that, at the same time, cannot help but reveal its deepest emotional nature.

The severe black silhouette, with its long flared skirt, culminates in a vivid bloom surrounded by bright mossy freckles.

The white shoulder straps, edged with delicate lace, together with the velvety green ribbons, softly hint at this confession of intention.

My appearance is austere.
My mouth is closed.
My hands are folded.

But if you come closer, if you breathe in the fragrance, you will know what my heart holds.