Evening ensemble
Designer
Charles James
(1906 - 1978)
1955
Pink taffeta, black velvet, and pink satin
Museum purchase
Object numberP87.31.11
With its petallike stole, this evening gown transforms the wearer into a flower, giving her a sensual elegance. The image of the femme-fleur (woman-flower) also evokes the idea of sexual reproduction. Flowers are the reproductive organs of plants, and color in flowers attracts the appropriate insects that facilitate pollination. Psychologist Nancy Etcoff writes, “Flowers are alluring landing strips for pollenating insects: They are the plant world’s sex objects.” Couturier Charles James often envisioned his clients as exotic flowers and believed that fashion should arouse the mating instinct.
DescriptionThe Tree dress in light pink taffeta with strapless, chevron pleated long torso bodice ending in polonaise swag below knee; Petal stole in black velvet with curved and pointed petals along one edge, lined in pink satin; pink satin full length glovesCollections
Exhibitions
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