London designer Ellie Misner instantly won over Lena Dunham with her work. “When I saw Ellie’s designs—and how she dresses all body types—I immediately told Michael she was my dream collaborator,” Dunham told Vogue. She sent her stylist, Michael Handler, multiple screenshots of Misner’s demi-couture creations: scarlet corsets that fit like second skin, and flowing skirts that accentuate the body’s natural curves.

“Neither of us could choose a favorite,” Handler said. “So we reached out to her, shared how much we admired her work, and asked if she’d create something custom for Lena.”

Handler sent a heartfelt message on Dunham’s behalf, praising Misner’s unique designs and highlighting the details she loved most. Misner then sketched an idea, which became the outfit for the London premiere of Dunham’s new romantic comedy, Too Much—her return to television.

The cherry-red dress featured a one-shoulder draped bodice, with fabric cascading over the hips into a train. The back had a corset tie with intricate draping—romantic yet powerful, full of movement. Misner’s signature style celebrates the body’s shape, using draping to enhance curves.

“I noticed Lena loved corseted pieces with draped details, which is one of my signature techniques—each design is one-of-a-kind,” Misner explained. “This method lets me play with silhouette, adding volume to the hips and defining the waist. We initially planned a midi dress with a boned hoop, but switched to full-length for a red-carpet moment. They trusted my vision, so the final look was a surprise even to them.”

Comfort was key—Misner built an internal boned base for support, then hand-sewed the draped fabric over it. “I wanted her to feel at ease all evening, despite the corsetry,” she said. As with all custom pieces, Misner crafted a mannequin to Dunham’s exact measurements, using it as a guide.

Dunham described the result as “the most striking Botticelli fantasy—a mix of early Renaissance and Nigella Lawson, my curvy British icon. It highlights what I love about my body, drapes in unexpected ways, and makes me feel both strong and innocent. Wearing it is a gift. Michael and Ellie are young but so visionary.”

Handler added, “Ellie’s work is truly unique. Her creativity and commitment to size inclusivity set her apart.”

Fittings happened digitally, with Misner FaceTiming Dunham and Handler’s team in New York. The dress fit perfectly, and they later added a detachable train for extra drama—Handler sourced matching fabric and assembled it under Misner’s direction. “It gave her that red-carpet ‘wow’ moment,” he said.

At the Too Much premiere in London’s Barbican Centre, Dunham walked the red carpet with her husband, Luis Felber, alongside cast members including Megan Stalter, Will Sharpe, and Andrew Scott.

“It’s been a while since Lena did a red carpet for her own project,” Handler noted, “so we wanted something as special as the occasion.””She’s as bold as they come,” he adds. Handler—who has worked with Beyoncé in the past—chose matching silk heels, statement diamonds, and plenty of bold silver jewelry. “These were must-haves for this look,” he says. The glam team was also in full force, with Amanda Grossman handling makeup and Ken O’Rourke creating a waist-length fishtail braid.

“With every outfit, we push each other to think bigger and bolder. To get even more creative. That’s one of the best parts of working with Lena!” Handler adds.

Lena Dunham and her husband, Luis Felber.
Lena Dunham and dress designer Ellie Misner.

Misner calls collaborating with Lena and her team “an absolute joy.” Now, the London-based designer is gearing up for her next demi-couture collection, set to debut in September. “It’s a really exciting concept, but I won’t spoil the surprise—keep an eye out for Ellie Misner DC26 this fall,” she says.

“I’m so lucky to work with people who trust me—and who I trust completely,” says Handler. “When you’re surrounded by great people, the kind you love and believe in, amazing things happen.” This time, Too Much proves that more is never enough.

Too Much premieres on Netflix July 10.