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Kiss of Death Gown
Rental $85 Retail $520
info
  • Stylist Notes
  • Product Details
  • Size & Fit
Be mysterious with this insanely sexy Helmut Lang gown. With the front slit and cowl neck style, this dress is perfect for any black tie affair. Shown here Rodrigo Otazu's Insanely Chic Crystal Cuff and Erickson Beamon Chrysler Earrings.
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Black jersey. Cowl neckline. Cut-out back. Front slit.
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This dress runs true to size (see following fit notes for exceptions). Sized P,S,M,L. Size XS=0; Size S=2,4; Size M=6,8; Size L=10,12

BUST: Works best for A to C cup sizes - exposed back cannot be worn with a standard strapless bra
WAIST: Fitted - loosely fitted at midsection - thin jersey hugs curves - wear with SPANX to cinch in waist
HIPS: Fitted
LENGTH: Floor length - available in 2 lengths (Regular, Long)

UNDERGARMENTS: Should be worn with a NuBra
FABRIC: Fabric has some stretch
GREAT FOR: All body types
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Reviews
Average Rating
Overall Fit
Runs small
True to size
Runs large
Customer Photos
caliope
Age: 20
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Apr 15, 2013
very happy with this dress and the overall service of RTR.com!!!!!!!!!<3
Size worn: XSL
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
i rented this dress for my first high school prom and was extremely happy with it!! i got the XSL and the MR. the xsmall fit perfectly and wasnt too tight but showed off everything i wanted it to, i wore 5 inch heels and the dress came to the top of my heels:)) the medium regular was pretty short and came to the middle of my calf... i am 5'6 and 130 lbs with an athletic body. this dress is super comfortable, i was able to really get down and dance in it. only problem i had was the second layer slip underneath kept riding up to my hips and over my butt and id have to pull it down constantly. since the dress was pretty thin i didnt sweat too much. i choose not to wear a bra with it and that was a mega plus i also recieved so many compliments on it!! definitely recommend
Caroline
Age: 23
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34A
Mar 10, 2013
This dress is so classy and comfortable!
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I wore the XS in this dress and it fit like a glove. I loved the cinched front and the modest slit. I received so many complements throughout the night on this dress! I normally wear a S so I would recommend sizing down or else the dress can be a little baggy. This dress is so versatile with accessories! I totally recommend it!
Jamie
Age: 28
Height: 5' 4"
Usually wears: 8
Body type: Full Bust
Dec 8, 2012
Comfortable and Classy
Size worn: MR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Such a great dress! would recommend it to anyone! rented the jade earrings to top off the look!
Meghan
Age: 25
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Hourglass
Nov 15, 2012
LOVE!!!
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Wedding
I wore this dress for a formal wedding and it was a hit! Classic and simple, but definitely sexy! I opted for the XS instead of the S (the size I typically fit). This dress could be a bit baggy if you don't size down. Amazing dress and an amazing night :)
Diana
Age: 32
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32B
Nov 8, 2012
Nice dress
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
It was just perfect for my Audrey Hepburn costume!! the lengh of the dress is short, (R perfect for me), this dress enhances natural shapes of women's body.
Erica
Age: 29
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32B
Aug 12, 2012
Got so many compliments in this dress! Very comfortable.
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I loved this dress! I wore it to the winter ball for a charity event. I was concerned about the length being that I'm only 5'3 but with 4" heels it was a perfect fit. The only thing that might give you some trouble is the hole for your neck. It's snug so it's almost like putting on a turtleneck. It felt fine as far as comfort goes but I had to wear the dress to the hair salon so I didn't have to worry about messing up my hair when I pulled it over my head. The dress was sexy due to the slit but still classy enough to wear to a ball. Overall, GREAT dress!
Corie
Age: 30
Height: 5' 4"
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 36D
Apr 30, 2012
I wore the dress to a taping of an awards show, the taping was 5 hours long and it was so comfortable.
Size worn: MR
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Formal Affair
True to size, I am 5'4 and the length with heels was perfect. It was super comfortable. Received many complements on the dress.
Margaret
Age: 23
Height: 5' 9"
Weight: 135 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34A
Mar 18, 2012
Felt great in this dress at a gala
Size worn: ML
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I ordered both the small and the medium in this dress and ended up going with the medium simply because of the length but it actually made for such a comfortable night! I am 5'9 and had to wear pretty short heels, which again added to the comfort. I got SO many compliments on this dress and adding colorful earrings really pulled together the whole outfit together. I highly suggest this dress, just be careful about the length if you are on the taller side!
Isabell
Age: 32
Height: 5' 5"
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Athletic
Feb 8, 2012
It is great to be able to rent a $800 dress for $75. I would have worn it only once anyway. Great idea.
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I loved the dress. It is simple but classy and chic. I combined with a green necklace and green sandals. See the picture.
PJA
Age: 29
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 110 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 32B
Dec 1, 2011
A wedding guest I didn't know approached me to tell me I looked stunning.
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Dress was perfect for a black tie wedding - very classic conservative, but the form-fitting shape and cut out back give it the perfect edge. Received very nice compliments.
Stefanie
Top Contributor
Age: 30
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34B
Feb 19, 2013
Too Short!
Size worn: None
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I ordered a 0R, as I am between a 0 and a 2, depending on the designer. When I received the dress, I noticed that the tag read "Petite," which immediately worried me, as at 5'8, I am definitely not considered petite, though I do fit into a Size 0. When I tried on the dress, my concerns were, unfortunately, validated, as the dress only went down to my mid-shin. I was disappointed, as I would not have ordered the dress had I known it was Petite, rather than 0R. Also, the dress I received had two holes in it, which were fairly noticeable. I've always had a great experience with RTR in the past, so I think this was just a fluke.
Jessica
Age: 23
Height: 5' 10"
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 34B
Feb 6, 2013
Nice fit - open back was great
Size worn: SL
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Dress was run ragged and had threads hanging and even a little tear
KATIE
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 105 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 32A
Jan 21, 2013
Wrong size was sent
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Wrong size was sent
Amy
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32B
Jan 3, 2013
Way too short!!!
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: Small
Rented for: Party
Based on the reviews, I decided to rent an XS so that the dress would fit like a glove. THe only problem was that it fit like a glove in the body area, but it was wayyyyy too short! The dress came up to my mid shin. I was hoping for a floor length dress... Might of been better if I ordered a size S, but then it probably would of been too baggy.
Ashley
Top Contributor
Age: 23
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Straight & narrow
Dec 3, 2012
Classic LBD with a twist.
Size worn: XSL
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
This dress was great for a formal event; it was snug in all of the right places, but also had a little bit of stretch to it. The ruching in the front and the ever-so-slight cowlneck made the dress interesting, as well. My only problem was that the XSL was still a bit too short on my 5'8" frame.
Cristina
Age: 26
Height: 5' 3"
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32A
Nov 18, 2012
Edgy, sexy yet classy dress!
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
Dress fit perfectly, very sexy yet classy. As others have mentioned, the dress was fairly short. I am 5'3'' and the dress hit at my ankle. So make sure to wear good shoes with it! Also the slit came to my knee, not nearly as high as the slit shown on the model. Overall looked awesome, just be careful if you are tall as the dress might not be long enough for you.
Luisa
Age: 28
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Nov 14, 2012
Great dress for a formal occasion
Size worn: XSL
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Wedding
Elegant, yet edgy in the back. The only complain I have was the lining would ride up every now and then... Super comfy and soft.
Lauren
Top Contributor
Age: 25
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Pear
Bust size: 36C
Oct 31, 2012
Loved the slit and open back!
Size worn: ML
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Wedding
I ordered the ML as suggested for my height, which might have been right but the hem was undone so it was a bit long. I had to hold onto it all night to keep from tripping but still felt sexy with the open back and slit. The criss-cross front fell a little low too and I kept having to adjust it.
Hailey
Age: 21
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34B
Oct 20, 2012
This dress was not for me- very underwhelming.
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I rented this dress for a Marine Corps Ball. I lean toward simpler styles in solid colors- this was perfect for me! I envisioned my curves wowing in this column dress. Unfortunately, the dress ended up being far less. The fabric was thin and cheap feeling, and the dress hung horribly on my frame. The pleating in the front did not look anything like it does on the model. Overall it was unflattering and I ended up returning it.
Christina
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 3"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 32D
Oct 5, 2012
I am obsessed with this dress! It fit perfectly the length
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I am obsessed with the dress! It fit perfectly and the length was great with heels as I am 5'3. I felt like a million bucks and received so many compliments. My only complaint is the back was a little ripped so the draping was more than expected and I word a normal bra but nothing fashion tape couldn't fix.
N
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 4' 11"
Weight: 96 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32C
Sep 19, 2012
This was great, comfortable and fit really well
Size worn: XS
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
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R.
Top Contributor
Age: 32
Height: 5' 5"
Weight: 125 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32D
Sep 13, 2012
Beautiful how this dress falls.
Size worn: S
Overall fit: Small
Rented for: Formal Affair
Shoulders and top torso area are very narrow. Unfortunately when this dress arrived, it Also looked like one of the straps had been ripping a bit from the dress.I normally wear a 2, but would need a medium in this dress.
Maria
Top Contributor
Age: 27
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 115 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32A
Sep 10, 2012
Perfect Fall Dress
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I picked this dress for a formal evening wedding in Iowa. I ended up wearing the back up size, but it still fit beautifully. At 5'2'' I wore 4'' heels to pull of the length. I would recommend wearing spanx as the material does cling to your body.
Lana
Top Contributor
Age: 23
Height: 5' 8"
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34D
Sep 10, 2012
Ow OW! Elegant and sexy
Size worn: ML
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
I really loved this dress. It is covered up but still very sexy. The slit came up to an appropriate spot on my thigh without being too showy. I felt like the length was perfect, I didn't trip on myself.
Lori
Age: 31
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 130 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Full Bust
Aug 28, 2012
Just ok
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The dress I rented had several broken seams so I had to use fashion tape to keep it together, which was a little disappointing. Otherwise, the dress was fine.
Amanda
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 4"
Weight: 135 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Hourglass
Bust size: 34D
Aug 10, 2012
Great sexy simple dress
Size worn: MR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
This dress was awesome. A great, super comfortable material that was still flirty. I wore it to a summer wedding and got a ton of compliments!
Megan
Top Contributor
Age: 28
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 36B
Jul 31, 2012
Pretty good
Size worn: MR
Overall fit: Small
Rented for: Wedding
It runs a little snug and a little short. I would size up just to have the length if you are over 5'5". Overall a very pretty dress. Didn't end up wearing it though.
Sarah
Age: 19
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 122 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Full Bust
Bust size: 34C
Jun 4, 2012
Perfect for me
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
This dress was excellent! It was a little on the short side but I don't know if a long would be too long. I wore it for prom and it was unique and I got a lot of compliments on it. I would recommend it to anyone.
Danielle
Age: 25
Height: 5' 1"
Weight: 98 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
May 21, 2012
lang
Size worn: XSR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I have to say this dress was gorgeous but I could not believe RTR sent me a dress in such horrible condition, the back was ripped as well as the top of the slit in the leg. I did not have time for them to send me out another dress so I wore any how. It runs true to size - I had to wear 5" heels for the length to be correct.
Girl19
Age: 43
Height: 5' 7"
Weight: 124 lbs
Usually wears: 2
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 32C
Apr 23, 2012
Not as SEXY as it seems
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Date
This dress is OK really, its not as SEXY in person as it seems on the model. The slit is not as high, and its very black, so all of the form fitting knots on the top of the dress are not very visible in person. Really a little blah, i didnt even wear it.
Z
Age: 27
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Feb 24, 2012
super satisfied
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I rented this guy for a formal black tie wedding in San Francisco City Hall. Big hit - I felt very comfortable and received many compliments. I'm a street size 6...rented both a S and M and chose the wear the S - it hugged my body in all the right places despite not being floor length.
Antoinette
Age: 21
Height: 5' 10"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 34B
Dec 12, 2011
Size worn: SL
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
I absolutely LOVED this dress! I interned with UNICEF and wore it to their West Coast Ball in LA. It was a black tie event and this dress was perfect--formal, sexy, but not too over the top! I'm 5'9-5'10 and I would have liked it to be a bit longer, but overall it was perfect. My only complaint is that the slip attached to the dress rode up pretty often, but it was easy to adjust.
sarah
Top Contributor
Age: 28
Height: 5' 8"
Weight: 120 lbs
Usually wears: 4
Body type: Straight & narrow
Bust size: 32B
Nov 22, 2011
Felt Beautiful
Size worn: S
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
It was a beautiful dress. The only reason I didn't wear the xs was the length. I am usually between a 2/4 and it was just about 2 inches too short without heels. The slit was not too high and the dress was formal enough for an event that I was unsure of.
Natalia
Age: 29
Height: 5' 5"
Usually wears: 6
Bust size: 34D
Oct 17, 2011
Overall fit: Large
This is the worst dress that I have ever tried on. It looks great on the model but on me it was horrible. The quality of the dress was very poor and it was super stretched out. The draping on the front is not flattering one bit.
drea
Top Contributor
Age: 30
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 140 lbs
Usually wears: 6
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 36C
Sep 12, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
I loved the style of the dress - but it is not exactly as pictured: my rental was worn out with hanging seams, a torn in the front that had been repaired and the gathering over the stomach also showed signs of heavy use. The leg slit ends at the knee. Again, loved the style but this model should be retired.
Crystal E
Age: 32
Height: 5' 4"
Body type: Pear
Sep 12, 2011
Overall fit: Large
Unfortunately my rental did not fit and I could not wear. The Xsm was way too small and too short. The Small was enormous - I was literally swimming in it. XSM must be better on a petite woman 5'2 and under.
KLJ518
Age: 35
Height: 5' 6"
Body type: Athletic
Aug 31, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
I loved the draping in the back, and as others have said, the slit in front is not nearly as high as it appears in the photo. My only complaints that kept this from getting 5 stars are the following: first, it was very hard to get the drape in the front to sit correctly. It kept looking like a bulge of fabric that needed to be tucked somehow. Once I got it in the right place, the short lining kept riding up until there was a bunch of fabric at my hips and I had to go to the ladies room several times to "adjust". Also, the drape at the neckline has a raw edge that kept flipping over so that it was visible and did not look very neat. Overall, I liked the dress, but I probably would not rent it again. This was my first experience with RTW, and I was totally happy with them. I will definitely rent again, just not this dress.
Mama Bass
Top Contributor
Age: 41
Height: 5' 6"
Weight: 150 lbs
Usually wears: 10
Body type: Athletic
Bust size: 36C
May 4, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
This dress was a HIT at a black tie event for work. It was appropriate for the occasion, and the slit ended just above my knee... way less revealing that the picture. Also took the advice and added a sparkly broach to the knot at the waist. No necklace as the cowl neck was perfect. I rented the large having just had a baby 9 months ago and (I'm 165 and 5'6") and this accentuated all the right spots... with spanx and a sticky cup bra! I felt glamorous and comfortable in this gown... not always easily combined!
TMKRR
Age: 30
Height: 5' 8"
Body type: Hourglass
Apr 21, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
Stunning dress. Understated, very flattering. The jersey is comfortable and drapes wonderfully. The slit is lower than pictured, but is still provocative.
yyn
Top Contributor
Age: 26
Height: 5' 2"
Weight: 100 lbs
Usually wears: 0
Body type: Petite
Bust size: 32A
Mar 27, 2011
Would rent again.
Size worn: XSR
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Formal Affair
This dress in XSR is 150 cm / 59 inches long. As with most Helmut Lang, it is cut slim. I am 5'2", and with a pair of 3" heels, the hem lightly brushes against the floor (very elegant, just the perfect floor length). The slit back is a great detail: from the side, the bottom edge of the slit creates a subtle drape. And unlike the photo, the front slit does not cut as high as it looks (it hit an inch above the knee for me, in heels). I felt great in this dress and will definitely rent it again for the next black tie occasion.
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