Helmut Lang
Ink Spill Dress
$30
rental
$550
Retail
Price varies based on availability. Select your date to see price.
Stylist Notes
Are you that daring fashionista? Rent this statement sheath by Helmut Lang and run the show. Add a bib necklace like the RJ Graziano's Pirate Treasure Necklace.
Size & Fit
This dress runs true to size. We recommend going one size up for back-up size (see following fit notes for exceptions).
BUST: Great for any cup size - slightly fitted in bust so size up in backup for full bust
WAIST: Fitted - loosely fitted throughout bodice - overlay conceals lower abdomen
HIPS: Fitted - slip runs slightly narrow in hips so size up for full hips
LENGTH: Knee length - (on a 5'5" model)
UNDERGARMENTS: May be worn with any standard bra and seamless underwear
FABRIC: Fabric has some stretch
GREAT FOR: All body types
(Model's height is 5'10".)
Size & Fit Notes
This dress runs true to size. We recommend going one size up for back-up size (see following fit notes for exceptions).
BUST: Great for any cup size - slightly fitted in bust so size up in backup for full bust
WAIST: Fitted - loosely fitted throughout bodice - overlay conceals lower abdomen
HIPS: Fitted - slip runs slightly narrow in hips so size up for full hips
LENGTH: Knee length - (on a 5'5" model)
UNDERGARMENTS: May be worn with any standard bra and seamless underwear
FABRIC: Fabric has some stretch
GREAT FOR: All body types
(Model's height is 5'10".)
Size Chart
Product Details
White printed viscose(100% viscose). Crew neckline. V back. Asymmetric hem. Hook-and-eye closure. Hidden back zip. 37'' from shoulder to hem. Imported.
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Fit
| Small | 2 |
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| True to Size | 26 |
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| Large | 1 |
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Photos
12
caitie
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 9"
Age: 28
Body type: Straight & narrow
Aug 9, 2011
Overall fit: Small
this dress is to die for! i am typically a 2 or 4, so i rented those sizes. the 4 was big, but the 2 was perfect! i am always looking for dresses that will give me the illusion of having a waist because I'm tall and lanky, and this dress did just! if they sold this in solid colors, i'd buy it.
also, i wore this dress to a wedding, and i'm so happy that i did. it's modest, yet very, very flattering...perfect for such an occasion. i paired it with black satin peeptoe platform slingback pumps, a patent black and silver tory burch clutch and a gunmetal statement cuff with crystals.
Comment
AK
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 7"
Age: 27
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 125 lbs
Aug 24, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
I LOVE this dress! It can be dressed up or down(wore it for a lunch). I am a 2/4 and I wore a 2 in this dress that fit perfectly. Best for an A-C cup.
Jen
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 5"
Age: 44
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 114 lbs
Oct 30, 2011
Overall fit: True to Size
This is a great dress! I wear a 2 or a 4 usually. The 2 fit perfectly. Loved the asymmetrical hem. It was my backup dress and wasn't dressy enough for the event, so I didn't wear it this time, but would definitely rent again.
Angie
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 3"
Age: 34
Bust size: 34D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 132 lbs
Jan 4, 2012
Rockstar Chic.
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
I rented this dress as my backup dress for a recent wedding, and loved it so much I wound up wearing it to the rehearsal dinner. It's a great cut with the perfect bit of edge-- I paired it with a black leather bomber jacket and a python Ted Rossi cuff for the perfect look. My husband, who's usually clueless on clothes, said it was one of his favorite dresses he'd seen me in.
Christine
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 5"
Age: 46
Body type: Hourglass
Feb 21, 2012
Chic & Comfort
Size worn: 10
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
Rarely do I find a dress with the perfect mix of chic style and comfort. I was amazed when I put this dress on. It was perfect. No uncomfortable tight spots, no need to hold in my tummy. I went to the Metropolitan Opera House in NYC. Thank You RTR!! I cant wait to rent my next dress.
michelle
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 3"
Age: 31
Bust size: 34A
Body type: Petite
Apr 20, 2012
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
Loved this dress, very stylish. The dress is not quite as white as in the picture, but otherwise looks like what you see. I didn't have to worry about the material being too see-through or any bulging. However, you should note that the dress was just barely below my knees so keep the length in mind when ordering.
Elouise
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 0"
Age: 53
Bust size: 32D+
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 140 lbs
May 23, 2012
This dress made me feel gorgeous. Having the choice of two dresses was phenomenal. I was a walking advertisement for rtr.
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
The cut of this dress is very flattering. The fabric is cut on the bias and it loosely swirls around the body. The subtle side slit made my legs look longer - quite the trick given I am only 5 feet tall. The dress is very comfortable. The size 8 fit my bust and hips well and the cut still allowed my waist to show.
Elaine
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 5"
Age: 45
Bust size: 34A
Body type: Pear
Weight: 137 lbs
Jun 15, 2012
Fashionable
Size worn: 4
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
This dress is good looking. Definitely not very sexy, but appropriate for a fashion-forward event. It was perfect for my needs and fit well.
Christa
Usually wears: 0
Height: 5' 4"
Bust size: 32D
Body type: Petite
Weight: 113 lbs
Jun 22, 2012
One of the waiters took me aside and said that he loved the way my own "ink" seemed to flow into the ink design of the dress. This is not a dress that I would buy, since it falls outside my normal day-to-day style, but RTR gave me an opportunity to try something different. I'm glad I did, because I got tons of compliments.
Size worn: 2
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
This is my first order from RTR. I ordered this dress in a 0, which is my normal size, and a 2 as a back up even though I was sure I wouldn't need it. Sadly the 0 had some problems, including a snag in the fabric and a weirdly rippled hem. I had to wear the 2, which was fine since it's a sheath-style and not meant to be super tight. It still looked pretty good but was really loose in the waist.
When I contacted RTR about the problems, they were very apologetic and offered me a discount on my next order. I'm willing to try again and see how it works out.
I also ordered the "mystery bling" which was a fun surprise and turned out to be these onyx geo earrings, unfortunately not really visible in the snapshot. I completed my look with Giuseppe Zanotti black patent pumps with a snakeskin heel and a vintage clutch. Overall, I was happy, but would have preferred a size 0. My dog, Butch, clearly thought I looked great.
Sorry for the low quality of the photo, taken with my phone.
CD
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 8"
Age: 30
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 140 lbs
Jul 27, 2012
I loved that is was a one of a kind dress. I knew that I was going to standout without having to pay a lot of money to do so!
Size worn: 4
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
This was such a great dress for the fall wedding I attended. I wore cobalt blue shoes and the Liz Nugget Necklace and couldn't have been more happy. The dress was the perfect fit. No complaints here. Thanks RTR!!
Lisa
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 9"
Age: 34
Bust size: 32D
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 137 lbs
Aug 2, 2012
comfortable and chic
Size worn: 6
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Date
This dress was easy to wear. The longer length created a slightly modest look which I can appreciate from time to time. I added a silver metal chain belt (a strap I took off a purse) and it brought the waist in adding a touch of sexy. It fit true to size and it fit great. I wouldn’t describe this one as a show stopper, it’s just easy.
patti
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 3"
Age: 59
Bust size: 36D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 140 lbs
Sep 4, 2012
This dress is very comfortable, you can move around all night.
Size worn: 12
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
I'm 5'3", and this dress was perfect. With a D cup finding the right bra was a little bit of a problem, as the edges wanted to peek above the armhole, but it all worked. Dress is cut on the bias and fits like a dream!
Serena
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 0
Height: 5' 6"
Age: 24
Bust size: 32D
Body type: Petite
Weight: 115 lbs
Sep 17, 2012
SUCH a classy and trendy dress!
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: Large
Rented for: Other
I love Helmut Lang and am forever renting them from RTR. I'm normally a straight 2 and always have to size down to their smallest size available, whatever that may be (usually a 0 or Petite) and the dresses all fit flawlessly. This particular one doesn't stretch much, the fabric was so rich and the print so unique and statement making. It can also be dressed up or down really easily- I wore it with a denim jacket for day and heels and a great statement accessory for night.
Noel
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 9"
Age: 36
Bust size: 32D
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 124 lbs
Oct 1, 2012
Beautiful print
Size worn: None
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Date
I unfortunately did not get to wear this dress as the size I wanted had a stain on it (and was a little too big if truth be told), but RTR made it right and gave me credit to my account. I tried the other size, but the stitching seemed to be off--it kept folding up and wouldn't lay right--otherwise that size would have been great. The print is much more lovely in person, so better stitching would definitely have been nice.
Suzanne
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 7"
Age: 42
Bust size: 36D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 150 lbs
Oct 7, 2012
Loved that I could wear a style unusual for me with no commitment.
Size worn: 10
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Vacation
This dress is super flattering, very comfortable, and easy to wear. My only quibble is the bra does show a little bit in the arm holes, but it s a minor flaw. It's a little conservative for me, so I really liked mapping it up with the Ted Rossi necklace.
Erin
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 4"
Age: 39
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Hourglass
Nov 17, 2012
beautiful and comfortable for a night at the ballet
Size worn: 12
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Date
The dress fit wonderfully and was forgiving around the waist. A little short on the side when sitting, but still very nice.
Julia
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 11"
Age: 31
Bust size: 34D
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 150 lbs
Dec 17, 2012
Feeling best-dressed for our fancy night out
Size worn: 10
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Date
This is a versatile dress and I could have worn either my size or my backup (12). I tried both on and they had a really different look. Because the dress is cut on the bias, there is a good amount of give. So you can go a little tighter & shorter or you can go with more of a conservative fit that is still flattering. I picked tighter & shorter - it was my husband's birthday, after all :)
I wore it with lace leggings & silver open toe flats. There is a little bit of blue in the ink blot that you can't see well in the picture, it's very pretty & could match almost any color shoe.
Cool, unique dress that suited the occasion & is very comfortable.
Madelaine
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 5"
Age: 24
Bust size: 34A
Body type: Straight & narrow
Weight: 120 lbs
Mar 18, 2013
Beautiful for our final shoot
Size worn: None
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
Rented this for a model to wear for a magazine shoot at UW - it fit perfectly, the cowl in the neck was stunning and the pictures online do no justice to how truly beautiful and unique the stitching and exposed zipper are in the back. Perfect dress, absolute winner.
KM
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 2
Height: 5' 1"
Age: 43
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 116 lbs
Jun 9, 2013
Perfectly suited for a family wedding
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
It's fit like a glove! I was hesitant about the size, but I usually size down in HL (typically wear a 2), and it proved true once again (wore the 0). I love this dress! It is very flattering and has some subtle jewel tones in the ink spot. Dad even thought I'd gotten a tattoo along the back shoulder because of the pattern on the back shoulder. I hope to have an excuse to wear this again!
Dori
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Age: 39
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Petite
Weight: 129 lbs
Jul 5, 2013
Helmut Lang FTW
Size worn: 6
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
I wore this dress to a San Francisco evening fundraiser on a yacht. It was a beautiful dress - classic, unique print and lovely fit.
MaryLois
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 4"
Age: 58
Bust size: 34C
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 125 lbs
Aug 15, 2013
Even the bride said I looked good!
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Comfortable and sophisticated. The 8 fit fine, though a 6 would have been better, but the general shape of the dress and the abstract print camouflaged these (and my!) tiny imperfections. Received many compliments and queries - Don't worry RTR, I gave you all the credit and sent them your way!
petitegal
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 0
Height: 5' 1"
Age: 34
Bust size: 32A
Body type: Petite
Weight: 105 lbs
Sep 7, 2013
something different
Size worn: 0
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
Great dress with a bit of an edge. Fit well even on my small frame.
Heather
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 10"
Age: 43
Bust size: 34D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 152 lbs
Sep 13, 2013
Fun and flirty.
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
My only complaint was that (likely due to too much dry cleaning) the liner hung out a bit on the bottom. This is a sexy beautiful dress. I rented it for Fashion Week events in NYC. It was perfect.
Paige
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 9"
Age: 36
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 154 lbs
Feb 26, 2014
Looks like art
Size worn: 10
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
I wore this to a couture fashion show. I received so many comments about the dress ... it 'looked like art' or 'looks like a canvas' and 'so unique'. Especially for the event it fit in so well. As for the dress, it is beautiful and very comfortable. The sleeves are cut in a little more than I am use to so for me personally it look a second to get to the "this works great" when I first tried it on. With a slightly bigger cup maybe it would have fit better, up top (I'm slightly on the smaller side) but only if you are overly concerned about that. The draping at the top really makes it work for anyone. The lining is slightly fitted. I did wear a waist cincher just to smooth out some areas (I'm self conscious after an injury where I can't work out so that is probably just me), but otherwise the dress was great.
crystal
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 8
Height: 5' 11"
Age: 28
Bust size: 38D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 170 lbs
Apr 24, 2014
Hangs in a strange way
Size worn: 8
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
This is a gorgeous dress but there is a strange fold of material that drapers from your left shoulder to your right hip that makes your stomach look like it's sticking out and your hips look super wide. Ultimately it was not very flattering on my dramatic hourglass shape.
Becky
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 12
Height: 5' 5"
Age: 36
Bust size: 36B
Body type: Apple
Weight: 160 lbs
May 17, 2014
Unflattering
Size worn: NONE
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Other
Not sure why but it just didn't look right on. I guess I just have the wrong body type. I thought the extra of fabric would be good since I have a thick waist but it was not flattering on at all.
Monica
Age: 28
May 22, 2014
Loved this dress perfect fit!
Size worn: 6
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Party
This was my first rtr purchase and now I'm hooked! It was such a beautiful cut and perfect for my event. Very well cut and well made dress. Fit perfectly.
Michelle
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 6
Height: 5' 5"
Age: 26
Bust size: 34B
Body type: Athletic
Weight: 135 lbs
Aug 23, 2014
It was my first time renting at the store and I would do it again. Service was great!
Size worn: 6
Overall fit: True to Size
Rented for: Wedding
Fits like a glove! Such a cute dress- I wish I owned it!
lee
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 10
Height: 5' 6"
Age: 51
Bust size: 36C
Body type: Apple
Weight: 140 lbs
Dec 3, 2014
Armholes cut way too wide and deep.
Size worn: 12
Overall fit: Small
Rented for: Date
As you can see from the photos, the armholes are huge. Other reviewers mentioned this as well. I tried every bra I own; this one showed the least. It kind of ruined the dress for me, because I was either worried about my bra showing, or wearing a cardigan (fine-knit, but still; not the look I was going for), all evening. I thought of using dress tape, but I didn't think it would stay, and that would look worse -- to have the dress detach from the tape, and then the tape AND bra would have been showing. Really too bad, because otherwise it's a lovely, comfortable, elegant dress. As for size, the 10 was OK, but snug, and showed even more flesh at the armholes than the 12 did. Also, the 10 was more worn than the 12; the fabric around the armholes was sort of permanently rolled out, so that a good half-inch of the facing/lining showed. They shouldn't rent dresses in that condition.
Patricia
Top Contributor
Usually wears: 4
Height: 5' 6"
Age: 36
Bust size: 32D
Body type: Hourglass
Weight: 131 lbs
Jan 13, 2015
Ladylike and pretty!
Size worn: 6
Rented for: Date
I'm normally a fairly solid size 4, but I wore a 6 in this dress. The dress was the right amount of sexy and ladylike that I was looking for a dinner & show birthday date night with the hubby at the Bellagio in Vegas. The material wasn't totally what I was expecting for some reason (and I'm not sure what I was expecting) but in the end the silk was perfect.
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