Evening dress
c. 1920
Silk chiffon, gelatin sequins, and crystal beads
Gift of Mrs. Harold E. Thompson
Object number76.100.1
The sequins on this 1920s dress are made of gelatin, a colorless water-soluble substance derived from collagen, a protein extracted from animal products such as skin, bones, and (fish) bladders. During the 1920s and 1930s, gelatin sequins were a cheap and versatile alternative to metal varieties, but exposure to water, or high heat and humidity, caused them to warp or disintegrate entirely.
DescriptionSleeveless evening dress in pale pink silk chiffon crepe with fishscale sequin and crystal bead embroidery; deep scoop neck frame with silk band of sequins; band from neck drops to hip continuing around hips; cut out floral pattern with lattice background is heavily embroidered with sequins and crystal beads and makes long torso bodice; skirt is gathered to bodice and has wide band of cutout floral pattern at hemCollections
Exhibitions