Evening dress
Designer
Mariano Fortuny
(1871 - 1949)
c. 1930-1939
Silk velvet and silk satin
Museum purchase
Object numberP90.45.1
Fortuny used his distinctive velvet printing technique to reference Italian Renaissance styles. Italy produced the highest-quality European velvets of the Renaissance, restricted by price and sumptuary laws to the upper classes, but worn by men and women. Rich velvet robes were appropriate only for women’s dress during the early 20th century.
DescriptionMedieval gown or late day dress: black silk velvet with gold metallic print; center front, back, and sleeve panels of Hispano / Islamic design; black pleated silk side seam and sleeve inserts; floor length, slightly A-line chemise with square neck; long sleeves, held by bead button and loop fastenings from wrist to below hip, flared at lower side seam; printed edgingCollections
Exhibitions