Dress
Brand
Lanvin
(French, founded 1889)
Brand
possibly
c. 1923
Black silk taffeta and multicolor ribbons
Museum purchase
Object numberP94.9.2
Characterized by its low waistline and full skirt with side panniers, the romantic robe de style was inspired by an 18th-century gown. Although often imitated, it was a fashion most associated with designer Jeanne Lanvin. Janet Flanner noted in 1929 that when Lanvin updated historic fashions, she successfully “pulled the past forward.”
DescriptionSleeveless dress in black silk taffeta, with square neck, and large sailor collar gathered together at dropped waist, and covered with large medallion of multicolor ribbon flowers with attached bow and streamers of red and gold metallic changeable ribbon; multiple rows of machine tucking at collar and hem; gathered skirt with inner pannier hoopsCollections
Exhibitions