Medium: Cream silk satin, tulle, and chiffon

Date: c. 1830

Country: Russia

Credit: Museum purchase

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.

Object Number: 2007.12.4