Evening dress
Brand
Chanel
(French, founded 1914)
Designer
Gabrielle Chanel
(1883 - 1971)
c.1932
Cream silk charmeuse and Alençon lace
Gift of Mrs. Hill Montague III
Object number77.133.2
For the dress on the right, Chanel alternates bands of silk charmeuse and Alençon lace, a tulle decorated with delicate needlepoint. Handmade lace has historically been one of the finest luxuries, and Alençon became a center of lace production in the late 17th century, when Louis XIV's finance minister Jean-Baptiste Colbert set up the Royal Lace Manufactory. (Shown with 77.89.1)
DescriptionLong sleeveless evening dress in alternating bands of cream silk charmeuse and Alençon lace; chemise bodice with draped lace collar; flared circle skirt with graduated bands of lace and satin, ending in wide lace hem banded underneath with horse hair braid; attached slip with lace flounce. Collections
Exhibitions