Story

O wanderer from a Grecian shore,
Still, after many years, in distant lands,
Still nourishing in thy bewilder'd brain
That wild, unquench'd, deep-sunken, old-world pain—

Say, will it never heal?
And can this fragrant lawn
With its cool trees, and night,
And the sweet, tranquil Thames,
And moonshine, and the dew,
To thy rack'd heart and brain
Afford no balm?

– Matthew Arnold, 'Philomela'

A symbol of eternal passion and pain, Philomela found solace only when she transformed into a nightingale. Thus the Philomela Top acts as the sister of our Nightingale Dress, a classic button-front blouse with an elegant necktie and long button-cinched sleeves. When Philomela turned into a nightingale, she found her voice and formed wings, but in her sorrowful, silenced, and wingless form, she is no less beautiful.

Design Details

• 100% cotton woven in Japan
• Designed, cut, and sewn in Arkansas, USA
• Semi-fitted blouse with neck tie
• Full button-front closure
• Long sleeves with button-cinched cuffs
• This top is sheer, so you may want to wear something underneath it
• Measures 23" long from shoulder
• Hand wash cold, line dry, warm iron as needed (learn more about garment care here)

Materials

This top is made of cotton chiffon woven in Japan. Lightweight, sheer, and with a characteristic dry hand and subtle crunch, this chiffon is a bit more rustic than a classic silk chiffon but no less lovely. It is dyed a true black.

In addition to the fabric, this top uses organic cotton thread, five vintage mother of pearl buttons, organic cotton interfacing, and cotton garment labels.

Fit

Take a look at our Size Guide to find your size.

The Philomela is fitted in the bust and the waist and free in the hips, so use both your bust and waist measurements when determining your size. If you fall in between sizes, particularly in the bust, I recommend sizing up to avoid any potential button gapping.

Alyssa is wearing a size 4 and is 5'8" with a 35" bust, 27" waist, and 37" hip.