Evening dress
Designer
Jean Dessès
(1904 - 1970)
1953-1955
Brown silk chiffon, synthetic taffeta, and horsehair
Gift of Francine Gray
Object number91.135.6
Dessès is best known for his intricately draped and pleated silk chiffon evening dresses. The draped neckline and "basket weave" bodice of this dress reflect the designer's affection for the ancient traditions of his native and adopted cultures, Greece and Egypt. Drawing inspiration from the ancient craft of basket weaving, Dessès's superior tailoring combines classical technique with the precision and luxury of the haute couture. In contrast to the stiff plant fibers traditionally woven in such a manner, pleated strips of brown silk chiffon are intricately plaited at the bodice and relaxed at the waist, disappearing into a full buoyant skirt supported by a taffeta petticoat.
DescriptionBrown silk chiffon evening dress with draped neckline and basketweave of chiffon strips over fitted, boned bodice; full skirtCollections
Exhibitions