Evening dress
1907-1913
Silk, silk net, metallic thread, and steel beads
Gift of DuBois Family
Object number2013.51.1
This dress shows signs of medieval influence in the gatherings down its sleeves, as well as in its raised waistline and square neck. During the mid-19th century, the Aesthetic dress movement promoted a return to pre-Renaissance forms, led by artists of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. By the early 20th century, such medieval elements had become part of high fashion—particularly in tea gowns that were designed to be worn at home.
DescriptionLight copper cut velvet floor length dress with empire waist and train, formal dinner or evening dress in silk satin ground fabric with velvet design of ribbon garlands at skirt and dense floral and leaf pattern at hem border; wide square neckline, lower at back; dusty pink silk net at long sleeves and upper bodice, horizontal pin tucks at front upper sleeve , released at sides and shirred at back panel with diamond pattern zigzag seams outlined in steel seed beads, also at hem edge, metallic thread fringe at inside seam points, four thread covered wheel like buttons and loop closure at cuffs; dark tan silk net with embroidered metallic gold dots overall and floral design at CF, CB and at side bodice dropped shoulder panel, black net with metallic gold embroidered geometric abstract shapes at front and back bib like border edge, black and gold embroidered ball edge trim, embroidered ball tassels at front right and left hem and two large satin covered medallions at back bodice embroidered with metallic thread and braid with ball fringe at lower edge; form fitting skirt flaring out at hem, Watteau like back starting at skirt waist, deep pleats; back hook and eye closure; boning at internal bodice; internal waist tape with woven labelCollections
Exhibitions