Ensemble
Designer
Charles James
(1906 - 1978)
1937
Ivory silk organza and satin, pink silk and faille, and grosgrain ribbon
Gift of Mrs. John Hammond
Object number77.89.3
In 1934, George Balanchine created his first American ballet, entitled "Serenade". Its eloquent and ephemeral qualities were enhanced by the later designed costumes made from a single layer of tulle. Meanwhile, couturiers such as Charles James began to drape copious lengths of soft, semi-sheer fabrics to craft sweepingly romantic gowns. James, whose sister was a dancer, made a point of noting ballet’s influence when he named the gown —with its abundant corsage—after the famous ballerina role "L’Sylphide" [sic].
DescriptionLa Sylphide or Corselet debutante dress with matching corselet cummerbund, in ivory silk organza and satin with grosgrain ribbon halter straps and pink silk roses in bodice cowl; coordinating stole in pink silk faille, fringed at ends; newspaper clipping of photograph of dress as worn by Miss O'BrienCollections
Exhibitions