Evening dress
c. 1830
Silk satin, tulle, and chiffon
Museum purchase
Object number2007.12.4
With its airy, tulle overdress, this lustrous, cream satin evening dress projects an ethereal luxury appropriate to its original owner, the Russian Empress Alexandra Feodorovna (1798-1860). The lightweight tulle hovers above an expansive skirt and generous puff sleeves, imparting a feeling of weightlessness to what is an otherwise voluminous gown. Ruched chiffon and pleated tulle add a measure of extravagance to the broad neckline, which itself accentuates the triangular shape of the bodice. The transparent oversleeves are probably removable, a feature that would have facilitated the transition from day to evening wear. Cut in the gigot shape with a satin flower petal cuff, such sleeves bridged the gap between elegance and practicality.
DescriptionCream silk satin ballgown with attached tulle overdress; décolleté gown with chiffon neck ruffle, empire waist, short puffed sleeves, full length bell skirt with thick rouleau hem bands; tulle overdress with tucked neckline, long sleeves with cuff band of satin appliqué petals, long bell skirt with single satin rouleau hem band | self beltCollections
Exhibitions