Dress
c. 1770
Silk faille
Museum purchase
Object numberP88.14.6
The yellow color of this dress on the left was particularly trendy during the 18th century. Prior to this period, Europeans negatively associated yellow with “heretics,” but in China it was an auspicious color associated with the emperor. The transformation of yellow’s cultural meaning was prompted by the growing popularity of chinoiserie that developed with the influx of goods imported to Europe from China.
DescriptionDress in yellow silk faille: open robe à l'anglaise; fitted bodice (needs stomacher) with wide neckline edged with fold, fitted elbow length sleeves with pleated cuffs; full skirt knife pleated to bodice at waist.Collections
Exhibitions