91.241.136

Images (7)

Luxury_20 Left to right 84.114.5 (black dress), 83.172.54B (textile wall), 79.169.5 (shoes case), U.930 (jewelry case), P88.66.6 (hat case), 92.202.1 (gloves case), 74.36.18 (coat and dress), PL74.1.24 (gown with embroidered bodice), PL74.1.23 (satin gown), 91.241.136 (black ballgown), 84.103.5 (ivory and black gown)

Nature_44 Left to right 83.130.10 (dress), 2011.13.1 (silver dress), 91.241.136 (gown), 71.251.162A (textile wall), 82.153.72 (pajamas), 82.153.149 (ensemble)

Nature_43 Left to right 83.130.10 (dress), 2011.13.1 (silver dress), 91.241.136 (gown)

Object: Ballgown

Designer: Charles James (1906 - 1978)

Date: 1954-1955

Medium: Silk chiffon, silk satin, netting, and boning

Country: USA

Credit Line: Gift of Robert Wells In Memory of Lisa Kirk

Object number: 91.241.136

DescriptionThe Bustle or Swan ballgown: strapless boned bodice in black chiffon draped in folds over white satin; floor length sweeping trained full skirt with layers of black, beige and brown net gathered into back bustle roll and forming wide polonaise or apron front swag; stiffened understructure

Label Text:A true sculptor of fashion, Charles James would transform women by using boning, corsetry, and layers of fabric to create luxurious gowns with sophisticated silhouettes. French philosopher Gilles Lipovetsky asserts that couture "took a stand against standardization, against uniformity of appearance, against mass mimicry; it upheld and glorified the expression of personal differences."

In Collection(s)

1950s

Exhibitions:

Ballerina: Fashion's Modern Muse
Form Follows Fashion
Luxury
Fairy Tale Fashion
Force of Nature