Evening dress
Designer
Norell
(1900 - 1972)
1962
Wool crepe and satin
Gift of Claudia Halley
Object number74.133.13
Norman Norell's 1962 interpretation of the Empire style in this "Josephine" evening gown, named for Napoleon's first consort, is made of soft, nubby, wool crepe. It combines the graceful simplicity and sophisticated innocence of the type of dress popular in the first decade of the 19th century with the provocative and alluring color red. Its high-waisted, puffed-sleeve design, flattering oval neckline, and straight, full-length skirt make it a classic, unfussy, yet luxurious dress, ideally suited to a lithe, youthful figure. Unadorned except for satin piping at the sleeves and waistband, this dress requires no further ornament to draw our attention.
DescriptionEvening dress in red nubby wool crepe with satin piping and waistband extending to back ties; empire bodice with deep scoop neck, short puff sleeves, long straight-line trained skirtCollections
Exhibitions