Object: Evening dress
Retailer:
Lord & Taylor
(American, founded 1826)
Date: c. 1905
Medium: Black silk tulle, ivory silk taffeta, ivory lace, black seed pearls, and black sequins
Country: USA
Credit Line: Museum purchase
Object number: P91.61.1
DescriptionLate day dress bodice: sequined black tulle over ivory silk, with ivory lace collar, neckline insert and sleeve band; black seed pearls and large paillettes; stand collar and insert sweetheart neckline; fitted with boned, double front and back princess seams overlaid by shirred silk and tulle for monobosom effect; elbow length sleeve puffed at cap and above band; CB hooks and eyes. Matching skirt: narrow waistband; five gore satin under skirt overlaid with five tier sequined tulle; floor length; slightly flared, trained; shirred black chiffon hem ruffle and trim; center back hooks and eyes
Label Text:This elaborately embellished dinner dress was custom made at the department store Lord & Taylor in New York. The advent of the department store allowed customers to select the latest fabrics, trims, and accessories under one roof. This innovation provided a wider demographic access to fashion at a faster pace than ever before.
Sequin embellishment delineates the sinuous form of the dress. The high neckline adds a degree of modesty, as does an under layer that would have prevented bare skin from being seen through the lace. A soft fragrance would have wafted from a perfumed sachet sewn into the front lining of the bodice.
Sequin embellishment delineates the sinuous form of the dress. The high neckline adds a degree of modesty, as does an under layer that would have prevented bare skin from being seen through the lace. A soft fragrance would have wafted from a perfumed sachet sewn into the front lining of the bodice.
Exhibitions:
- Night and Day
- Trend-ology