Evening dress
Retailer
Lord & Taylor
(American, founded 1826)
c. 1905
Black silk tulle, ivory silk taffeta, ivory lace, black seed pearls, and black sequins
Museum purchase
Object numberP91.61.1
This elaborately embellished dinner dress was custom made at the department store Lord & Taylor in New York. The advent of the department store allowed customers to select the latest fabrics, trims, and accessories under one roof. This innovation provided a wider demographic access to fashion at a faster pace than ever before.
Sequin embellishment delineates the sinuous form of the dress. The high neckline adds a degree of modesty, as does an under layer that would have prevented bare skin from being seen through the lace. A soft fragrance would have wafted from a perfumed sachet sewn into the front lining of the bodice.
DescriptionLate day dress bodice: sequined black tulle over ivory silk, with ivory lace collar, neckline insert and sleeve band; black seed pearls and large paillettes; stand collar and insert sweetheart neckline; fitted with boned, double front and back princess seams overlaid by shirred silk and tulle for monobosom effect; elbow length sleeve puffed at cap and above band; CB hooks and eyes. Matching skirt: narrow waistband; five gore satin under skirt overlaid with five tier sequined tulle; floor length; slightly flared, trained; shirred black chiffon hem ruffle and trim; center back hooks and eyesCollections
Exhibitions