Medium: Black point d’esprit, silk taffeta, grosgrain ribbon, lace

Date: c. 1902

Country: France

Credit: Gift of Mrs. William Rockefeller & Ms. Harriet VanKennen

The Rockefeller family member who wore this dress would have made a striking figure among the muted pastel tones of Belle Époque fashion. Jeanne Paquin layered black fabrics and trims of varying weights and finishes to achieve nuanced variations in pattern, shade, and texture. At first glance, the detailed embellishment appears subtle and restrained, adding to the refined understatement of this fashionable black dress.

Object Number: 72.66.6