2007.12.4

Images (5)

Sheer and Split. From left to right: ballgown, c.1830 (2007.12.4); jacket by Comme des Garçons, fall 1997 (2010.1.40); hostess gown, circa 1931 (74.93.3); ensemble by Louis Vuitton, spring 2011 (2022.21.15); dress by Pauline Trigère, c.1970 (86.31.3); dress by Christopher John Rogers, 2021 (2023.39.1).

Luxury_59 Left to right 2007.12.1 (shoes case), 2007.12.2 (buckles case), 2004.62.35 (lace case), X522, X541 (lace case), P86.71.2 and P88.28.2 (shawl and ensemble), 84.146.1 (lace wall), 2007.12.4 (gown), 89.58.10 (fan case)

Luxury_11 Left to right P85.56.6 (textile case), 2001.38.1 (coat case). 2006.56.2 (dress), 2007.12.1 (shoes case), 2007.12.2 (buckles case), 2004.62.35 (lace case), X522, X541 (lace case), P86.71.2 and P88.28.2 (shawl and ensemble), 84.146.1 (lace wall), 2007.12.4 (gown)

Object: Evening dress

Date: c. 1830

Medium: Silk satin, tulle, and chiffon

Country: Russia

Credit Line: Museum purchase

Object number: 2007.12.4

DescriptionCream silk satin ballgown with attached tulle overdress; décolleté gown with chiffon neck ruffle, empire waist, short puffed sleeves, full length bell skirt with thick rouleau hem bands; tulle overdress with tucked neckline, long sleeves with cuff band of satin appliqué petals, long bell skirt with single satin rouleau hem band | self belt

Label Text:With its airy, tulle overdress, this lustrous, cream satin evening dress projects an ethereal luxury appropriate to its original owner, the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (1798-1860). The lightweight tulle hovers above an expansive skirt and generous puff sleeves, imparting a feeling of weightlessness to what is an otherwise voluminous gown. Ruched chiffon and pleated tulle add a measure of extravagance to the broad neckline, which itself accentuates the triangular shape of the bodice. The transparent oversleeves are probably removable, a feature that would have facilitated the transition from day to evening wear. Cut in the gigot shape with a satin flower petal cuff, such sleeves bridged the gap between elegance and practicality.

Exhibitions:

Statement Sleeves
Luxury