Ballgown
Designer
Emile Pasquier
1889-1890
Green/brown changéant silk velvet, lace, beads, rhinestones, and gold metallic cord
Museum purchase
Object numberP91.55.6
Fashions of the fin de siècle used shimmering and elaborate surface decoration to create the image of Woman as an expensive, desirable object. Women in highly ornamented outfits literally embodied their husbands’ wealth, becoming paragons of seductive artifice. Jean Baudrillard called this “a production of value through exteriority.”
DescriptionBallgown in green/brown changeant velvet and green faille with areas heavily embroidered in pearls, rhinestones, gold metallic couched cords, and strands of ochre and clear beads; V-neck boned bodice, elbow-length puffed and fitted sleeve, floor-length bell skirt with bustle and train, lace panel draped at right sideExhibitions