Arabella’s Story | Timeless French Dresses and Childhood Memories

“Do not count the days, make the days count.” In our enchanting world, we might say the same of dresses. Do not count the dresses, make the dresses count. For years now, we have had the privilege of dressing princess Arabella, watching her grow from a darling toddler into a young little lady. 

Each piece she lovingly wears is a celebration to itself, which then transforms a fleeting moment into a cherished memory. To recount them all would require chapters if not entire books. Instead we have gathered here through words and photos, the moments closest to our hearts, stitched together like the finest embroidery.

Arabella's Charlotte sy Dimby story began in December 2019. It was a soft introduction, wrapped in a typically French palette. Arabella wore a delicate grey dress adorned with blue Eiffel Tower smocking. It was to be starting point of a shared language, one woven with elegance and subtle charm. Her mother Robin, whose love for Hermès reflects a deeply rooted appreciation for French craftsmanship, was immediately drawn to the piece. After having had two boys, the joy of finally dressing her daughter brought a new kind of delight to the family.

The first winter celebrated together carried pure magic. With the festive season in full bloom, a another dress soon followed. Blue satin duchess, enriched with golden smocks, it created the perfect party silhouette for holiday parties and pictures under the Christmas tree amongst the iconic orange Hermès boxes. Paired with her treasured luxury La Française doll, Arabella became part of a storybook scene, timeless and full of wonder.

As seasons passed, certain designs became signatures of her journey and even held her name. The Netti dress, with its butterfly wing like ruffles and generous puffy skirt, quickly found a special place in her wardrobe. Whether worn by the beach or among blooming hydrangeas, it mirrored her own blooming personality.

From pastel pink to vibrant mint green, every shade brought a new expression, yet one stood above the rest. The Isola Bella dress, inspired by the breathtaking Borromean islands of Lake Maggiore, captured her spirit most completely. Its print, reminiscent of Italian haute couture, evoked the sweetness of the dolce vita. In it, Arabella appeared both graceful and full of life, a perfect harmony between innocence and elegance.

Another dream memory is the whimsical tea party hosted by Danielle, where imagination took the lead and reality followed. The guest of honour was, quite unexpectedly, a horse. It was a subtle nod to a family passion, and to the equestrian heritage that so often inspires us. For the occasion she actually wore a unique custom made design featuring a discreet horse motif embroidered upon the upper chest.

Beyond gardens and playful gatherings, our dresses have accompanied Arabella into the refined world of luxury. She has worn them on elegant shopping excursions, transforming each visit into an experience of enchantment. To see our creations gracing the halls of Hermès boutiques where craftsmanship is revered, has been nothing short of an honour.

Among the many milestones we have shared, her holy communion stands as one of the most tender. It was a day she had long awaited, filled with anticipation and meaning. For the occasion, she wore an ivory organza dress paired with a delicate veil. The effect was ethereal. She looked almost like a young bride, suspended between heaven and earth. It was a moment of grace, one that will remain with us always. In that instant, we could not help but imagine the future, perhaps one day dressing the flower girls who will walk beside her.

With Arabella, our journey has stretched far beyond familiar horizons. Together, we have travelled across continents, each destination adding a new chapter to her story. In Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia, she wore a red velvet dress with a white lace collar, completed by a straw hat. She looked every bit the young lady, as though she had stepped out of another era.

In Bavaria, by the Neuschwanstein Castle, the world of fairytales seemed to come alive. It is a place that inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty, and our iconic Princess Charlotte dress felt only fitting. In Lavender fields, she bloomed in delicate purple like the flower she is.

Her love for princesses, especially Aurora, found expression in yet another unforgettable moment. Dressed in one of our creations, she attended a New York ballet performance and was able to meet the dancer Megan Fairchild on stage.

Her travels have also taken her to the shores of the Black Sea, and of course to Paris, where she wore our designs during her very first visit. Each place, each memory, adds a new layer to the tapestry of her childhood.

There was even a journey that brought her closer to the stars. At NASA, dressed as always with care and elegance, she explored a world of discovery and possibility. It felt as though the sky itself was no longer a limit. With Arabella, we have come close to touching the moon. And for her, we would go even further,we would catch the moon and bring it back.

Through every season, every celebration, every quiet and radiant moment, Arabella has been more than a child wearing our dresses. She has been a muse, an inspiration, a living expression of what we cherish most. We do not count the dresses. We remember the moments. And in each one, there is a trace of something lasting, something beautifully woven into time. We are immensely grateful!